Communication_with_Electronic_Medical_Records

Communication with Electronic Medical Records HCS 490 August 15, 2010 Erika Johnson Communication with Electronic Medical Records In the fast pace world we now live in, individuals feel there is no time for much of anything. The quickest way possible is the means of most, and electronic communication modalities used in health care is none different. One specific mode of communication used by consumers and health care providers is electronic medical records. Electronic medical records are patient records including prescriptions, treatments, allergies, surgeries, lab work, current and previous medical condition, as well as physician’s notes that are stored in a computer. A benefit to the patient from the use of electronic medical records is assessing ability and efficiency. According to Erin Maxson of channel 12 news watch, “by health care providers using electronic medical records, not only will patients get more time with physicians, the level of care will increase because there is a smaller chance of human error.” Maintaining patient confidentiality when using electronic medical records is very important. In 1996, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) were signed into law under the United States Department of Health and Human Services. All healthcare providers were required to be in compliance of this law by the year 2003. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) In accordance to this law, all individuals private health information is protected by Federal laws, in which provides specific rules and regulations on who may have access to it. Electronic Medical Records are an effective means of communication between consumers and providers. One never knows when a physician’s office may go out of business. When a consumer has access to their medical records, when changing physicians, the needed patient information is easily assessable. This keeps the consumer from trying to remember all of the medical history they may have had. Important medical history can be a difference between life and death. Using electronic medical records opposed to other modes of communication have many advantages, for one security, for another cost. As said previously, a patient’s health records are protected by laws. Before electronic devices were used, folder after folder of paper files was stored, leaving accessibility of patient information open to anyone. Using electronic medical records, this gives patients more security of their records and keeps costs down from having to “dig” for information, when all it would take is a click of a button and a few keywords. A transformational change has occurred within the last decade when obtaining information about healthcare. The internet is a very powerful tool and can be used in many ways. One way of its use is information regarding healthcare. Many consumers are going online using social networks to discus medical conditions and obtain other consumers’ knowledge before making healthcare decisions and rather than the customs of physician office visits. (Social Networks in Healthcare, 2010) The internet has various sites in which consumers can research and commit, interacting with consumers searching the same medical conditions. Social networking not only helps consumers obtain information on health related issues, but also has grievance groups as well as help groups to help consumers. As said, the internet is a powerful tool and living the fast pace world in which we do, time is contentious for consumers as well as providers. One of the main factors that consumers and providers desire, is access to medical records as quickly as possible. The most effective way of this is electronic medical records. Electronic medical records are very efficient and from the speed of such, healthcare providers have the ability to access patient information in a matter of minutes. Records can be easily shared including all aspects of medical history, current medical condition, lab work, prescription drugs and all physician notes. Consumers are at ease due to the protection that is given from Federal laws regarding privacy and who may have access to the consumer’s health records. Although there are many communication modalities available, the safest, most cost effective and great assess ability, consumers and providers of health care organizations are well delighted with electronic medical records. References References Keckley Ph.D., P. (2010). Social Networks in Health Care: Communication, Collaboration and Insights. Retrieved from http://deloitte.com/assets/Dcom_unitedstates/local%20assets/documents/us_chs-2010socialnetworks_070710.pdf Maxson, E. (2011). KDRV Channel 12 News Watch. Retrieved from http://kdrv.com/news/local/220109 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Health Information Privacy. Retrieved from http://hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/administrative/pricacyrule/.index.html