Communication with Electronic Medical Records

Communication with Electronic Medical Records
HCS 490
August 15, 2010
Erika Johnson

Communication with Electronic Medical Records
      In the fast pace world we now live in, individuals feel there is no time for much of anything. The quickest way possible is the means of most, and electronic communication modalities used in health care is none different.
      One specific mode of communication used by consumers and health care providers is electronic medical records. Electronic medical records are patient records including prescriptions, treatments, allergies, surgeries, lab work, current and previous medical condition, as well as physician’s notes that are stored in a computer.
      A benefit to the patient from the use of electronic medical records is assessing ability and efficiency. According to Erin Maxson of channel 12 news watch, “by health care providers using electronic medical records, not only will patients get more time with physicians, the level of care will increase because there is a smaller chance of human error.”
      Maintaining patient confidentiality when using electronic medical records is very important. In 1996, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) were signed into law under the United States Department of Health and Human Services. All healthcare providers were required to be in compliance of this law by the year 2003. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) In accordance to this law, all individuals private health information is protected by Federal laws, in which provides specific rules and regulations on who may have access to it.
      Electronic Medical Records are an effective means of communication between consumers and providers. One never knows when a physician’s office may go out of business. When a consumer has access to their medical records, when changing physicians, the needed patient information is easily assessable. This keeps the consumer from trying to remember all of the...