Electronic health records could make health care safer, better

In the past, the only way your doctor could track your health and treatment was with a paper medical record. But these days, more and more health care providers are making the switch to electronic health records (EHRs).

You may already have watched as your doctor or nurse typed information into a computer during an appointment. The Institute of Medicine and other national organizations are recommending EHRs, and the federal government is joining the push. As part of the federal economic stimulus bill, formally known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, doctors and hospitals that care for patients with Medicare and Medicaid will soon be able to get financial help to cover some of the cost of converting to an EHR system. Eventually, those financial incentives will become financial penalties for Medicare and Medicaid providers who don’t switch to EHRs. The goal is to create a linked national network that allows records to be accessed by family doctors, specialists and other health care providers who need them.

AFMC is working with primary care physicians, hospitals and home health agencies in Arkansas to help them transition to EHRs. Here are a few things you might want to know:

What’s an electronic health record?

An electronic health record is similar to a paper one. It contains the same kind of information about your health history and your treatment. But electronic health records are accessed with a computer and special software. Doctors or other health care workers type in doctors’ orders and other information, instead of writing it by hand. Instead of reading a piece of paper, they can read the record on a computer screen. The computer software is set up to let only certain people read your health records, so your information is still kept private.

Why switch to EHRs?

Doctors, insurance companies, the federal government and many others are working to find ways to protect patients and make health care more effective. Electronic health records can help in several ways:

• Electronic records are easier to read. Because information is typed instead of handwritten, health care workers don’t have to try to read each other’s handwriting. This can prevent errors that could harm patients.
• Records are easier to access. Health care workers don’t have to pull records by hand and keep up with a “paper trail.” Instead, the records can be quickly accessed and read on a computer or even a handheld device — from wherever you’ve sought a diagnosis or treatment, not just in your doctor’s office.
• Quicker service. When you call with a question, the nurse can quickly get to your chart using a computer, so you won’t have to wait as long.
• Better records of your medications and refills. Some EHR systems can even send your prescription to the pharmacy right away, so it might be waiting for you when you get there.
• More efficient and convenient health care. Health professionals can more easily track the care provided to their patients to make sure patients are getting the right kind of care. They won’t have to wait for records to be transferred or paperwork to be completed, and won’t require tests that are unnecessary or have already been done.
• Better, safer medical care. With thorough, readable health records on their patients, doctors can more easily provide the best care for each patient. They may be able to diagnose a health problem earlier, which could mean a better outcome and lower medical bills for you.