Many hospitals and clinics are using the advantages of computerized medical records to stay competitive. Hospitals and medical clinics, although they might not be seen as businesses, have revenue as one of their key goals. They thus pay attention to technological advances that might assist them just as any other business might.
Misfiling
In a manual system, medical records usually are stored in a records room in or very near the hospital or clinic. However, hospitals and clinics may treat thousands of patients over the course of a year. Each patient file has to be handled physically in a manual system, and this often results in misfiling and enormous wastes of time as files are located. In a computerized system, however, staff members simply can pull up records according to any number of criteria in a database search (e.g., name, condition, insurance company, etc.). The files can be located in a matter of seconds and will not become misfiled.
Space
Manual systems that store hard copies of patient records require enormous amounts of space in order to hold all the records. This can be costly to a medical facility, because the space has to be paid for both in construction and upkeep. Computerized records, however, can be stored on systems that take up less space than a single filing cabinet, so the medical facility can use the space from the manual files for other, more important things, such as a diagnostics laboratory.
Legibility
Many people, including doctors, have handwriting that is hard to read. In the medical field, writing out charts and prescriptions thus may mean that other staff members cannot read vital medical instructions or information. Computerized records eliminate the problems that result from record illegibility (e.g., incorrect medication given) because the "handwriting" is clear and identical regardless of which staff member provides the data.
Transfer
Records often need to be transferred, either from different departments within the medical facility or to another facility altogether. When records are computerized, staff can pull up medical information and requests without having to physically transfer the data, which saves time and physical strain on the staff members.
Better Care
Insurance companies and patients often need copies of their records in order to make sure the medical facility receives payment. Hard copies of records frequently get lost in the process. In the case that a patient or insurance company needs another copy, an electronic medical record can be accessed and sent within minutes. This means that the hospital receives payment faster and that the patient is not tied up waiting to see if the insurance company will take care of his bill. Faster revenue receipt means that the medical facility can see more patients and provide better care through the hiring of more staff, or it can purchase more medical equipment.
Tags: medical facility, insurance company, staff members, Computerized records, files located
