Monday, June 15, 2009

When Patient Information Is Most Important You Need Electronic Medical Charting Software

As well as being cost-effective and cost-saving, there are many advantages to having a system of electronic medical software for safekeeping patient information and records. Because the medical records are stored electronically, there is always a back-up record on file and the records are permanently stored and cannot be damaged. The space requirements for electronic medical records is considerably smaller than what is required for keeping a paper record of all the information, this is one of the many great advantages of having a computer to do the storage for you. Medisoft clinical software is just one of the most effective ways a doctor, physicians assistant and other medical professionals can keep track of vital and important information.

Another distinct advantage of using EMR software for electronic medical charting and storage is the saved space and reduction of paper waste coming from the medical community. Computer records do not make the use of paper completely obsolete, but it does reduce the need significantly. Electronic medical software also allows for ease of coordination of a health care team. By having all the information presented there is no risk of duplicate medical testing, prescription medication errors or questions about patient treatment. A person with a variety of health issues may be seeing several specialists which can easily result in a conflict of care or overlapping therapy, which wastes time and precious resources. When a specialist and primary care doctor can use the same records and have access when necessary, everyone on the team is aware of what is going on and this leads to better patient care.

When thinking about how busy most medical offices and hospitals are, having electronic medical records on hand can save precious time when faxing or emailing information. When a doctor has instantaneous access to all of a patient’s information, including lab tests, x-rays and prescriptions or allergies, he or she is able to make split moment decisions without endangering or compromising patient care or health. The advantage of having EMR software during a medical emergency can prove invaluable and end up saving a life.

For these reasons and many more, doctors, hospitals and health care facilities are now more than ever before checking into all of the many advantages of having EMR software in a clinical setting. Having the most up-to-date and relevant information is not only an advantage but the responsible thing to do.

Friday, June 5, 2009

The Importance of Medical Record Accuracy

Medical charting is a process that begins the moment a person receives medical care and is continued through a person’s lifetime. The documentation of a medical record can start when a person enters a health care system, such as a hospital, doctor’s office, home-health care, nursing home, rehab facility or any other type of medical setting.  Most often, a facility will request permission to get copies of previous medical records so the staff has a complete and detailed record of health information.  Have you ever thought about what would happen if a hospital or doctor’s office was not able to get the information or the information was flawed?  This is just one of the many reasons why the medical profession has begun using EMR software, electronic medical software.

 Though the methods of medical charting will vary, there are many aspects of medical charting that are universal.  Some commonly used medical charting sections include; admissions paperwork, history and physical information, orders for medication and treatment, treatment record, medication record, procedures, tests, consultations, consents, flow charts, care plans, discharge orders and insurance information.  When there is no room for error and patient information needs to be treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality, medisoft clinical software can remove the guesswork from the equation.

 The above general categories may be further divided by each individual facility for their own documentation needs and purposes.  For example, a chiropractic office may have a special section for back injuries and testing, or a hospital has a section reserved particularly for labor and delivery, x-ray reports, blood tests, operations and many other things. Additionally, such things as allergy information and do not resuscitate orders may be in a prominent manner.  If a hospital does not know about allergies or final wishes of a patient, it can compromise quality of care or in the worst case scenario result in death.  It is responsible for an institution to make sure the accuracy of medical records is never compromised, having EMR software takes the guess work out of errors by updating and ensuring accuracy is maintained.

 When a person’s healthcare information is compromised, the results and consequences can result in patient fatality and lawsuits.  Having the proper and correct information is imperative, particularly during hospitalization and treatment..  Any health care company can depend on Medisoft clinical software to make sure every bit of history on a patient record is 100% accurate the first time and every time.