Benefits of Computer Based Medical Records
Computer based medical records or electronic medical records (EMR) have been gaining popularity in the recent times as with the growth of modern technologies in other industries. Similar with other new innovations there are resistances to changes by the users. However, with EMR this is not the case as compared to paper based health records in hospitals there are eight core benefits that they offer when they are implemented in accordance to HIPPA safety and privacy rules. The core benefits are:
Immediate remote access to patient data
Health officers can easily access patient data hence timely diagnosis and treatment. The privacy rule in HIPAA will specify whose information will be protected and can be accessed by physicians (DHHS, 2002a)
Data Legibility and Safety
Data from patients is easier to comprehend and safe. The HIPAA rules protect against the loss and alteration of records through requiring that they be physically and technically safeguarded (DHHS, 2002b).
Integration of data electronically
Information is easily obtained automatically from patient monitors, lab analysis, and imaging devices. The HIPAA rules will however limit the information for research, diagnosis, and treatment purposes hence patient safety and privacy maintained (DHHS, 2002a).
Flexible data layout
Data can be out-put in easier formats for review. The HIPAA rules limit the use and exposure of information according to the “Minimum Necessary” rules (DHHS, 2002a).
Integration with other Information resources
Information from internet or other sources can be linked with the computer records. HIPAA rules on security will cater for security of the information through the risk analysis and management provisions (DHHS, 2002b).
Confidentiality of data
Automatic follow up of data with restrictions on certain levels of access and other types of data. HIPAA rules specify that covered entities implement software and hardware components that would monitor access to data in the system (DHHS, 2002b).
Constant processing of Data
This can reduce data errors, and alert physicians on life threatening events. The HIPAA secure rules allow for the evaluation and likelihood of health threats (DHHS, 2002b).
Tailored Paper Output
Data interpreted in ways that enable physicians get a proper picture of the physical condition of the patient. HIPAA rules protects electronic information which does not apply to information transmitted by oral or writing (DHHS, 2002b).
References
Lyer, P. W., Levin, B.J, and Shea, M.A. (2006). Medical Legal aspects of Medical Records. Tuscon: Lawyers and Judges Publishing company. Pp. 132-135
US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) (2005 a). Summary of the HIPPA privacy rules at:
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/summary/privacysummary.pdf
US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) (2005 b). Summary of the HIPPA security rules at:
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/srsummary.html
