Electronic health records, also known as EHR, are becoming more popular throughout Kentucky and will probably be the standard in just a few more years. But how do online medical records affect patients? A recent study found that EHR can significantly reduce medical errors, but others warn of new dangers they present.
Here are just a few of the benefits of electronic health records:
- Can easily be transferred between medical professionals.
- Makes certain that medical records are up to date.
- Medical professionals can search for terms.
- Medical professionals can get a full picture of the patient’s medical history.
- Can easily be accessed in different parts of the hospital from different terminals.
- Are often more legible than written records.
- Can prevent medication errors and makes prescribing drugs safer.
- Makes it easier for doctors to correctly diagnose a patient.
- Makes it easier for doctors to coordinate care.
- Makes it easier to find test results and eliminates duplicate testing.
- Increases security and privacy.
- Saves money.
- Saves time.
However, it is important to note that although electronic medical records have been proven to reduce the overall rate of medical errors and medical malpractice claims, EHR can also create problems, especially in the early states of their development and implementation. Records can be lost or deleted, while bugs or hardware issues can lead to other serious mistakes.
If you or a loved one have been harmed by a medical error, perhaps caused by a problem with your health records, speak with a Kentucky medical malpractice attorney. Call Gray & White Law today for a complimentary consultation.