Paper-Based Versus Electronic Medical Record Keeping Essay Example for Free

Paper-Based Versus electronic Medical Record Keeping EssayFor galore(postnominal) years, physicians offices documented all data in paper-based health check checkup charts. Now, the physician or clinician records the checkup data into a computer. Information stored in this manner is known as an electronic-based medical record or EMR. By definition, an EMR is a computerized record of the important health information regarding a diligent including the care of that individual and the progress of that patients condition (Bonewit-West, Hunt, Applegate, 2009). The determination of computers in physicians offices is not new. For decades, physicians have use computers and practice management software product primarily to schedule appointments and for billing. The g all overnment has offered physicians incentives designed to encourage the adoption of electronic medical records to promote medical information accessibility, better patient care, greater efficiency, and financial savi ngs (Hamilton, 2010). In the face of advancing technology, comminuted medical offices must compare the be, ease of use, and tending of electronic medical record dusts versus paper-based record keeping.The woo of keeping paper-based and electronic medical records is not just about the actual price tag of the record-keeping transcriptions. The cost of keeping an electronic medical record system (EMR) begins with the initial purchase and implementation of the hardware and EMR software. thither are also ongoing maintenance expenses, loss of revenue associated with temporary loss of productivity collectable to converting paper charts to electronic ones, and the training of the staff (Menachemi Collum, 2011). The way these record systems are stored is very contrastive and nominate greatly affect the cost as well. EMR records are stored on a server, digitally, in a absolute computer database inwardly the office practice (Hamilton, 2010). On the other hand, the cost of keeping a paper-based medical record requires certain supplies. File folders, folder labels, chart dividers, paper, and writing instruments are needed. Shelves are comm entirely used to hold and organize the charts for ease of accessibility by the staff. A growing medical practice whitethorn often require many shelving units that take up valuable office space. Storage boxes are inevitable to store outdated charts or charts no longer in use (Bonewit-West et al., 2009).If there is not sufficient space in the office, then physicians may often have to pay for off-site storage (Hamilton, 2010).The surgical process of victimisation a paper-based medical record system is relatively easy. However, there are some factors to consider. To use a paper chart, the medical staff must locate and retrieve it, touch sure the clutch documents accompany the chart, and have it ready for the physician. The physician or the medical staff must allocate adequate time to accurately document the chart for each patient. Any chart, whether it is paper or electronic, needs to be comprehensible, so clear writing is imperative when recording using a paper chart (Bonewit-West et al., 2009). Mean speckle, using an EMR system requires the use of a computer. This can be a desktop model, laptop, or a stamp pad type device. The patient records are kept digitally within the EMR system and are accessed via the computer. This type of record-keeping system does not require the addition of paper documents. All paper documents are scanned into the EMR system or electronically obtained from other pertinent sources.Once paper documents are scanned into the EMR system, they become part of the patients fixed record and are no longer needed. This process requires EMR training of the medical staff, which is normally performed by the vendor supplying the EMR software. The physician and the medical staff must learn how to operate the new system and conform to the new paperless charting method. Learning an EMR program and using it with ease can take several months or more than (Bonewit-West et al., 2009). The ease of use with both of these systems differs in the fact that paper-based records need to be filed properly in devote to locate them when needed. Filing can be very time-consuming and paper-based records can be easily helpless or destroyed. Even though electronic records are stored digitally on a server within the medical office, the medical staff will still need to enter the patient data into the EMR system. Electronic records need to be backed up daily because they can be lost due to distress of the hardware (Hamilton, 2010). Regular maintenance is required for both paper-based and electronic record keeping.The maintenance differs greatly among the systems and is ongoing regardless of which system is being used in the medical office. The routine maintenance of an electronic medical record system requires hiring network professionals to monitor and maintain the network. Some examples of maintenance tasks may allow performing data backup at a time every twenty-four hours, storing a database backup offsite, andarchiving backup media once every month. in that location is also maintenance on the hardware and software. Hardware must be replaced and software will have to be upgraded regularly. A product specialist may need to run utilities for different applications within the EMR system. There will be ongoing training for all users of the electronic medical records system (Menachemi Collum, 2011). In contrast to electronic medical records, maintenance of paper charts require that they are examined periodically to make sure the chart remains in good condition since these charts will become worn over time. The charting of each patient should be complete, legible, and performed in a timely fashion.Paper charts that are outdated, that are deemed unchanging or charts of patients who expired will have to be placed in boxes and put into storage (Hamilton, 201 0). There are vast differences between paper-based and electronic medical record-keeping systems. One system is entirely manual while the other requires manual data entry combined with computerization. For decades, physicians and staff of medical practices have used only the manual or paper-based method of keeping medical records. Change can be costly and frustrating, besides with the advancement of technology, coupled with the government requiring the use of EMR, small medical offices must explore the cost, ease of use, and maintenance involved in making this important change in the way of keeping medical records.ReferencesBonewit-West, K., Hunt, S. A., Applegate, E. J. (2009). The medical record. In Todays Medical Assistant Clinical Administrative Procedures. St. Louis, Mo Saunders/Elsevier. Hamilton, B. (2010). Electronic health records (2nd ed.). New York, NY McGraw-Hill high Education. Menachemi, N., Collum, T. (2011). Benefits and drawbacks of EHRs. Risk Management and He althcare Policy, 4, 47-55. Retrieved from doi10.2147/RMHP.S12985.