What Are Electronic Health Records (EHRs)?
The world has been drastically changed by digital technology. Cell phones and iPads transformed our daily lives and the way we communicate. Healthcare is an information-rich business. Electronic health records are now a part of this technology.
The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, a component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, represented the Nation’s substantial commitment of Federal resources to the widespread adoption of EHRs.
Electronic health record (EHR) is a digital, or computerized, version of patients’ paper charts.
EHRs are real-time, patient-centered records containing the medical and treatment histories of patients, including diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory and test results.
EHRs bring together in one place everything about a patient’s health. And, they contain information from all clinicians involved in a patient’s care.
They go beyond standard clinical data collected in a provider’s office and are inclusive of a broader view of a patient’s care. They allow access to evidence-based tools that healthcare providers can utilize to make decisions about a patient’s care.
They make data available instantly and securely, whenever and wherever it is required, for authorized healthcare providers. With more complete patient information, providers improve their ability to make well-informed treatment decisions quickly and safely.
EHRs also automate and streamline healthcare providers’ workflow, and increase organization and accuracy of patient information.
They support key market changes in payer requirements and consumer expectations. The greater and more seamless flow of information within a digital health care infrastructure, created by EHRs, encompasses and leverages digital progress and can transform the way care is delivered and compensated.
A key aspect of an EHR is that it can be created, managed, and consulted by authorized providers and staff across more than one health care organization.
One national survey of physicians offers important evidence on use of EHRs:
94% reported EHRs made records readily available at point of care.
88% reported EHRs produced clinical benefits for the practice.
75% reported EHRs allowed them to deliver better patient care.
A single EHR can bring together information from current and past doctors, emergency facilities, school and workplace clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, and medical imaging facilities.
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