An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is an electronic method of maintaining the medical history of patients. The EHR system that has been implemented in New York City enhances the quality of healthcare. The EHR system has minimized the excessive documentation that makes it easy to lose documents. Also, the system has enhanced care coordination for patients since it is easy to access records. The system has improved diagnostics as well as patient outcomes. Lastly, the system is efficient and saves on the cost of the healthcare sector (Armstrong 23).
Telemedicine is a healthcare provision from long distance by use of telecommunication and modern information technologies. The provision is advantageous in a number of ways. It saves lives in emergency situations since there are no proper response methods to disasters. It is useful for patients living in inaccessible areas. Also, the patient is monitored through computer thus reduction in outpatient visits. Lastly, it facilitates health education as experts can guide the primary levels in various undertakings (Showalter 45).
However, there are disadvantages of telemedicine. The system is costly to install and maintain. Virtual clinical treatment reduces human interaction among the healthcare professionals increasing the risk of error in clinical services. Longer time maybe used since there may be interconnectivity problems. Lastly, the technology may give low-quality health informatics records (Armstrong 43).
Scenario three
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) applies electromagnetic fields to identify as well as track tags attached to objects. There are different types of RFID, and some are applicable in the healthcare sector. The first type is Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID, which has a frequency range of between 300 MHz and 3 GHz with a high rate of data transfer. It is useful in the pharmacy to sense counterfeits. The second type is the passive RFID Systems, which can operate at low frequency, high frequency, and ultra-high frequency radio bands and useful to track goods such as pharmaceuticals. Thirdly, the HF RFID would be relevant as it useful in ticketing, payment and data transfer (Armstrong 65).
Scenario four
The CMS incentive program aims at reaching an outstanding number of citizens who may not access medical facilities. The program has the plan to ensure reliable distribution of medical facilities and assures people access to the facilities. However, not every target population of the program could be reached. In this case, EHR would be highly suitable as it would help in fetching massive benefits for the users (Swift 42).
The physician terminates his relationship with the patient through a letter, which should be accompanied with return receipt requested and regular mail. If the regular letter is returned, it should be put unopened in the file of the patient. Necessary information is given to transfer the patient to another provider. The reason for transfer is not usually given to the patient (Showalter 61).
Scenario six
Non-economic damages are controversial tort reforms to control the damages in medical malpractices for non-pecuniary damages (Swift 25). Instances, where non-economic damages may be applied, include permanent disability, blindness, paralysis and trauma among others.
The standard of care is the tort law with a level of prudence as well as caution needed of a person who is under a duty of care. A person with disabilities should be held to the same standard of care as an ordinary person (Swift 25). In case, he is treated as less inferior a case is viable.
Medical malpractice is a situation where the doctor or a medical professional undertakes an action or fails to undertake one leading to injury to the patient (Swift 26). For example, a situation where the doctor decides on amputation of hand while there are chances of treatment and recovery.
Scenario seven
An employee is likely to obtain a number of wellness programs form the employer. Such programs may include; on-site fitness centers, smoking cessation programs, Transit options, paramedical services, as well as lunch and healthy snacks. The wellness programs relate to HIPAA Law from the perspective that the health status of the employee should not be disclosed to the employer without the employee’s consent (Swift 34).
Works Cited
Armstrong, Elizabeth G. The Health Care Dilemma. Singapore: World Scientific, 2011. Print.
Showalter, J. Stuart. The Law Of Healthcare Administration. Chicago: Health Administration Press, 2008. Print.
Swift, Elaine K. Guidance For The National Healthcare Disparities Report. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press, 2002. Print.
