The progress in technology can be seen in every area of our lives. One area where significant advances have been made is in the field of medicine. What is unique about this field is that compared to how rapidly technology is evolving in some areas, the paper-based management system used in most care centers seems archaic.
In the medical field there is an enormous collection of data that is required, and many argue that it is impossible to manage and/or preserve all this data on paper. The information contained on a single paper chart is invaluable, yet paper so fragile. Even a spilled cup of coffee can equal disaster. The integrity of a paper record can suffer with continued use or extended storage (and data like x-ray film may not stand the test of time). Hand-written information on a paper chart can also be difficult to read, leading to misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, and billing errors. The sheer amount of data that needs to be collected also makes it difficult to maintain organization. A single misplaced sheet can cause major problems. Finally, storing so many records costs time and money, as does transporting them.
Continue reading ‘Health Care Can go Digital With an EHR System’ »