Seven reasons why you should care about electronic medical records

When you go to the doctor, the natural assumption is that your medical records will be safe and available when you need them again. But how can you be sure? If your doctor utilizes electronic medical records, you can rest easy. Here’s why…

1. Fewer Errors – Electronic medical records take the guesswork out of reading handwritten prescriptions at the pharmacy. It also alerts your doctor when there are possible drug interactions, which can be dangerous, and even life threatening.

2. Saves Time – Prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy electronically from the doctor’s office so they’re ready for pickup when you arrive. Be sure to call first to ensure your medications are in stock and your order has been processed.

3. Accessibility – Your doctor can easily access your medical records from his/her computer, even after office hours.

4. Increased Efficiency – Since your records are in a digital format, you don’t waste time at the doctor’s office and hospital waiting on lost or misplaced paper records.

5. Better Communication – You can go over your charts with your doctor during your appointment so you can monitor your progress. You’ll also receive follow-up calls between visits.

6. Coordinated Care – If you become ill or have a medical emergency while you’re traveling, authorized physicians can access your medical records so they can make informed treatment decisions based on your medical history. This is also useful for students who attend school out of town and snowbirds who travel to Florida for part of the year.

7.Higher Security- Since your medical records are electronic, even if there is a computer outage or natural disaster like a hurricane or fire, your records will remain safe and are still accessible.

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