Communication and Information Technology

Communication and Information Technology Paper

Tracy L. Harris

HCS/320

June 1, 2012

Dixie Poe

Communication and Information Technology Paper

Long gone are the days of paper medical records, with the manual filing, and the taking up of physical space while these files collect dust. Now there is a new electronic filing system available to all in the medical field from dentist to doctors. This new filing system is called electronic health records or EHR. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2012) defines electronic health records as an electronic version of a patient’s medical history, that is maintained by the provider over a period of time, and may include and is not limited to key administrative clinical data relevant to that persons care under a particular provider. The patient data includes the area the patient lives in, problems that the patient has experienced or is still experiencing, past and present medications, basic vitals, immunizations, past medical history including radiology and laboratory reports.

Electronic Health Records has proven to be both efficient and effective when it comes to communications. This system will allow health care professionals to communicate more efficiently with each other concerning patients care by allowing real time access to information. The improvement in relaying information between clinicians will also increase the patient’s satisfaction with the treatment. Electronic Health Records has also proven its efficiency by reducing repetitive documentation and clinical testing. Research has also shown a reduction in malpractice claims for some physicians since their offices has switched over to electronic health records (HCPro, 2012).

As with any new program or policy there are advantages and disadvantages. Electronic health records are no exception. One of the first advantages of electronic health records is the amount of patient information the physician has on hand at the time of...