Electronic_Medical_Record_System

Implementing EMR software in your office can be the most beneficial and efficient product Advanced Imaging can purchase for their office. On the other hand, purchasing the wrong EMR software or not being able to implement the software can be very inefficient and disastrous. As like any other software or information system, there are disadvantages in the software. That is why before purchasing EMR software, Advanced Imaging must set realistic goals, perform a cost budget analysis, seek out unbiased sources of information and make sure your hardware is efficient to improve your EMR functionality. An EMR system also improves communication by making records available to multiple people, simultaneously. This will be beneficial to Advanced Imaging because it can save a doctor or medical personnel hours, which would have been spent updating patient files. Since patient information is stored electronically, charts are always current and provide more detailed patient information than paper-based records. Productivity also increases as the practice becomes Among the various options available with an electronic medical record system, there are key electronic medical software features to choose from. Medical practices can choose from some of the following, such as: 1) multiple records access; which allows multiple personnel to work concurrently with the patient file, 2) remote access; which allows personnel to log in to a secure network and access the data from anywhere, 3) secure access; which uses a secure network to protect confidential patient information and 4) compatibility with other medical solutions. Additionally, there is a concern that the use of the computer systems would prevent accurate record keeping, since many members of the staff were not trained in this technology. Further, training on electronic medical records software adds additional expense in paying people to take training, and in paying trainers to teach practitioners. (Ellis- Christensen) Internal controls must be established and put in place in order to manage who should and can have access to such data. Hackers may ultimately be able to penetrate through the EMR system despite security precautions, and they may then release confidential information to others. This has some patients worried about how safe and confidential their electronic medical records really are. (Ellis-Christenesen)However, since Advanced Imaging is a smaller practice, I would recommend implementing a client/server EMR system. A client/server system has no dependency on internet connection, therefore preventing hackers, and has better integration with imaging devices. Another disadvantage lies in crafting an employee training plan which is probably the most critical part of your EMR system which also includes cost factors. Training can be taught online or in sessions through the medical practice. Fortunately, EMR systems lend themselves to gradual training, since they typically consist of modules-one for the electronic chart, another for prescribing, and others for transcription, scanning documents, and work their way up to the more demanding modules that involve data entry. (Lowes, Robert) Since Advanced Imaging is smaller medical practice training can be accomplished within one week and gradually learned throughout the use. Whether your medical practice chooses to continue to use a paper base system or chooses to change to an electronic system they both are going to have their advantages and disadvantages and both must be carefully taken into consideration. Citations "Which is better Web based EMR system or Client server EMR system'." Binary Spectrum.2003. Retrieved March 8, 2009.http://www.binaryspectrum.com/electronicmedicalrecord/which-is-better-web-based-EMR-system-or-client-server-EMR-system.html "Comparison, Pros and cons of Client/Server and ASP-based EMR." EMRexperts. 2008. Retrieved March 8, 2009. http://www.emrexperts.com/emr-ebook/client-server-vs-asp-comparison.php Ellis-Christensen , Tricia. "What are the Disadvantages of Electronic Medical Records'." Wisegeeks.2008. Retrieved March 8, 2009. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-electronic-medical-records.htm Lowes , Robert. "EMR Success: Training is the Key." Providers Edge.7 May 2004. Retrieved March 9, 2009. http://www.providersedge.com/ehdocs/ehr_articles/EMR_Success-Training_is_the_Key.pdf