Maintaining health records is a serious business that was a boring job some years back with jam-packed files that took a whole lot of office space. Those files not only ate up space but also took away enormous time to organize and then search when needed. Electronic health records have entered the healthcare space to declutter the files mess and save the precious time of healthcare practitioners and the patients. With electronic health records being handy physicians are able to get more time to see patients and provide care. We can understand the good EHR solutions have done to the healthcare industry by looking at the benefits EHRs have brought.
Minimized use of paper: Although paper is still used for some purposes, its use has been minimized in the maintenance of health records. Using less paper leads to clutter-free office and helps in speeding up processes.
Convenience of storing data: With the EHR systems in place convenience of storing huge data at one place in a single computer becomes possible. The stress levels of administrative staff who are managing the health records is reduced because all the data is readily available and they can focus on the much better task rather than searching for required records.
Ease of accessing information: Accessing information needed by physicians has become a lot easier with EHR solutions as the information is just a click away. Easy access to information is one of the biggest advantages of incorporating EHRs as it improves the patient care provided with the past history of the patient in the physicians’ hands as and when required immediately.
Efficient work: The patient history is in the hands of healthcare professionals in a matter of seconds that improves the efficiency of the physicians and other healthcare professionals as they can make informed decisions in a lesser time.
Safe prescriptions: The availability of past history of patients’ at fingertips due to the EHR systems gives the physicians an accurate understanding of patient health even in times of emergency. This gives them an opportunity to prescribe safe medicines taking into consideration the various allergies and complications triggered by allergic components.
Better coordination: Another best thing about EHR solutions is that communication has become easier and quicker for different healthcare professionals. This has helped to provide quality care to patients even from remote locations.
Improved updating of records: Whenever an old patient’s records have to be updated it can be done easily as everything can be done on the computer as opposed to searching an old file and then making updated notes in it.
Good ROI: Although it costs a little in the incorporation of EHR system, it leads to great savings in terms of reduced file room maintenance and staff for that. Also, a lot more money can be saved as processes take much less time and physicians can see a more number of patients.
Although its importance is many times underestimated, maintaining EHRs is very significant in providing proper quality healthcare to patients and is required by law as well for meaningful use.