In the past, hospitals and clinics would generate paper records containing details on patient visits. These days, many healthcare providers have switched to electronic records for quite a few compelling reasons. Here are a few of the many benefits patients can expect when their providers keep records electronically.
When doctors keep electronic records, it’s easier to transfer information to other medical professionals. For example, a doctor can share the outcome of tests or exams electronically, as opposed to sending a physical copy of information to other locations. Greater efficiency often means faster diagnoses, and ultimately, timely treatment.
Patients should also have convenient access to their personal medical information, which electronic records also provide. When you can easily review health records, you can better identify inaccuracies. Identifying and removing errors is crucial to receiving proper treatment, and paper records can create some obstacles in that respect.
Paper records also carry a security risk, which can compromise patient privacy. While virtually all hospitals have practices in place that prevent unauthorized people from accessing physical records, these systems are not as robust as digital privacy controls. For instance, healthcare staff will likely need to supply a password and complete a two-factor authentication process before they can access records. These security measures ensure that medical records remain in the right hands.
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