Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is software that organizes medical data so that physicians and medical administrative staff can access the information easily. Patient charts can be accessed using this program from any computer within the premises. The software also keeps an online record of surgeries performed, diagnosis made, treatment given and the medicines prescribed..
EMR replaces the manual mode of maintaining records in the hospital and is the most common method of data storage in health care sector. The various advantages in using Electronic Medical Records software are discussed below:
Saves Space: EMR eliminates the storage and maintenance of paper files for each and every patient. This software integrates all the details of the patient, including the case history and treatment information.
Eliminates Filing Errors: Electronic medical record storage helps in preventing filing errors. Electronic medical records software also eliminates any threats of losing the patient health information in an emergency, as they are backed up everyday automatically unlike the manual paper method of recording information.
Cost Efficiency Through Data Consolidation: Additional labor expenses and storage costs are eliminated with electronic medical records software. It also reduces the costs associated with data entry, billing and front desk. This enhances the operational efficiency and productivity through a higher volume of transactions.
Safety and Security: While paper files can be lost, damaged or subject to natural disasters, EMR can avoid such situations with greater safeguards.
Eliminates Repetitive and Unnecessary Testing: EMR prevents repetitive testing thereby making medical consultations economical for the patients.
Accessibility: Electronic copy of medical reports can be easily accessed by the physicians using mobile gadgets in any part of the world, allowing them to follow up the patient for his/her medication and treatment..
Better Diagnosis: Physicians find it easy to diagnose their patients whose records are automated as it saves a lot of time. Moreover, the reliability factor in EMR helps in avoiding duplication and repetitive testing thereby enabling a better diagnosis.
Among $787 billion, nearly $19.2 billion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that American President Obama signed in the year 2009 is directed as an electronic medical records stimulus. The administration is working to complete the movement of EMR integration, because it believes there are many benefits in using electronic medical records software such as streamlining patient care and providing long-term savings in the health care industry.