In a world that revolves around digital information, doctors and other medical practitioners have begun to heavily rely on electronic health records. EHR or electronic health records are digital records of health information. They contain all the information you’d find in a paper chart — and a lot more. There are many benefits to using electronic health records, for both primary care providers and patients.
How Are Electronic Health Records Used?
Electronic Health Records make extensive and secure medical records instantly accessible to authorized users. Many EHRs are also designed to provide information to the patient and other health care providers, helping to inform clinical decisions and coordinate care. While an EHR does contain the medical and treatment histories of patients, an EHR system is built to go beyond standard clinical data collected in a doctor’s office and can be inclusive of a broader view of a patient’s care.
Benefits of an Electronic Health Records System
There are many benefits of electronic health records to health care providers. For starters, the data will prove to be more extensive and accurate as compared to paper records over time. The medical data is also available 24/7 online, and is available to any number of authorized doctors and specialists, each accessing the same set of information. Histories of tests and medical events will exist over time, allowing each health care provider to see the patient’s history in one permanent location.
Less Paperwork. Clinicians and staff currently spend a significant amount of time working with paper records. An electronic health records system eventually will eliminate most of these paper records, which will result in less time consumed by staff and less storage space needed for records.
Improved Patient Care. Up-to-date information should result in improved care of the patient. Lost records and transcription errors will essentially be eliminated. By having access to their digital information, the patient becomes more of a participant. Medication Reconciliation and prescriptions should become more dependable.
Enhanced Productivity. EHR systems (digital) can become more efficient than paper systems. Those two different systems involve medical records, but with one difference. One type is considered paper medical records while the other is considered electronic medical records. Users will find electronic health records systems to be faster to access digital data as compared to paper information and the data accessed will contain fewer errors.
More Complete Records. Without requiring duplication of information that comes with paper systems. Also, different health care providers can each access patient information, and be accessing a more complete picture of the patient’s health history.
EHR Benfits for Patients
Electronic health records do more than collect and store patient information. Increasingly, these records compute and communicate the data, providing insights that can make a difference in treatment. HealthIT.gov reports that 75 percent of healthcare providers say their EHR enables them to deliver better patient care, which results in higher patient satisfaction rates and fewer medication errors, among other benefits. When patients have access to their health records, they can take an active role in managing their outcomes and wellbeing. Patient portals provide lab results, drug information, and historical data. While also extending a convenient way to schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and communicate electronically.
For example, electronic health records can improve patient care by:
- Reducing the incidence of medical error by improving the accuracy and clarity of medical records.
- Making the health information available, reducing duplication of tests, reducing delays in treatment,
- Empowering patients to make better decisions for their health.
- Reducing medical error by improving the accuracy and clarity of medical records.
Find a Doctor in Chicago
Dedication Health is no ordinary doctor’s office. We have created a membership-based primary care practice truly designed around our patients’ needs. We work with your insurance just like a regular doctor’s office would. However, we offer so much more than traditional practices. A Dedication Health concierge health membership makes it faster, easier, and more enjoyable to look after your health. Dedication Health maintains a limited number of Cook County health memberships. As a result, we are able to ensure the highest standard of immediate and personalized care in a comfortable setting.
If you are looking for a doctor in Chicago and want to become a member of the concierge medical practice, contact Dedication Health today. Call us at 847-986-6770 to reserve your spot. Additionally, learn more about concierge medicine by browsing the links below.
Concierge Medical Care: 3 Reasons Why Concierge Medicine Will Get Bigger