10 Benefits of an Electronic Medical Record

Electronic Medical Record

An Electronic Medical Record is a secured electronic file of patient history, medical transcription notes, billing information, and all other information necessary to have a complete patient profile. It is true that the electronic medical record is indicative of a faster-paced informational age in which larger quantities of information require more effective database infrastructure, but there are many more benefits to both the medical service provider and the consumer. This informational article points out 10 benefits of an electronic medical record of which both practices and patients need to be aware.

1. Speed

As mentioned in the introduction, the business world of the 21st century is fast-paced. Even in medical practices, speed equals ability to compete, especially when managing information. That is why an electronic medical record system, or EMR, is used by most medical practices. In addition, a fast electronic medical record system requires less time invested in trouble shooting and allows more time invested in caring for patients.

2. Storage

An electronic medical record is an electronic database of information capable of carrying much more information than traditional systems. An electronic medical record system can manage records from multiple offices as well as multiple types of records.

3. Security

An electronic medical record system secures records with backup files in case of emergencies. In addition, only authorized users may access them. This double security system is a "preventative medicine" for record viruses.

4. Support

Both practices and patients can access customer support from a medical billing specialist provided through the electronic medical record software. In addition to their support, electronic medical record software provides access to medical codes, including, ICD.9, HIPAA, HCFA 1500, and the latest CPT code books.

5. Accessibility

The latest electronic medical record technology allows information to be downloaded directly onto a PDA or Palm device. In addition to PDA access, authorized individuals can access an electronic medical record online from any location.

6. Affordability

This is perhaps the most appealing part of the latest electronic medical record technology. Every business wants to save money while at the same time adopting time-saving technology. Because electronic medical record software uses online technology, much of the set up costs and overhead are eliminated and reduced to monthly usage fees.

7. Infrastructure

Part of the money-saving nature of electronic medical record technology is the elimination of IT infrastructure and the streamlining of multiple databases. The infrastructure is simplified into one online database, even for multiple offices.

8. Versatility

I have already mentioned multiple office management with electronic medical record software, but there is much more to this software than meets the eye. Electronic medical record software stores medical transcription SOAP notes and medical codes. It allows multiple users. It also connects users to personal and online support sources.

9. Efficiency

We have almost made it full circle in our discussion of the benefits of having an electronic medical record. But efficiency is not the same as speed. Efficiency takes all of the duties involved in medical record and medical office management divided by time and money. Electronic medical record software can increase the numerators and decrease the denominators. Businesses often ask about the bottom line. Well, the math says it all.

10. Manageability

The benefits of an electronic medical record may sound wonderful, but there is one more question to ask: Is it user friendly? When adopting new technology, remember that the master needs to ride in the saddle, not the horse. Some technology requires so much attention that a business owner may be worried that he or she is now employed by the new technology and not the other way around. Electronic medical record software works for businesses.

A word of advice: in any given search engine there are millions of indexed pages that will appear as relevant results to a search for "electronic medical record", or "EMR". Use these benefits as search sifters, to identify the right electronic medical record software to work for your practice.

Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisements on business technology. Electronic Medical Record information is available at AdvancedMD.com.