Electronic Health Record
What is an Electronic Health Record (EHR)?
An Electronic Health Record is just that-an electronic version of your medical record. The computerized record contains your medical and medication history and allows your provider to quickly and accurately update information, as well as view any new or previous X-rays and/or lab work. Our physicians can then access your information 24 hours a day from any computer. So not only will your doctor be able to see your chart if you speak to them after hours, but your record can also be securely accessed during an emergency by your physician or another authorized caregiver.
How does an EHR benefit you and your family?
Today, when you enter your physician's office, you no longer have to wait for staff to pull your chart from a distant chart room. The nurse can pull up your health record without delay and start providing service right away. More than a repository for your medical information, the EHR alerts your caregivers whenever something might be harmful to you for example, if you had a past allergic reaction to a particular medication in the past. The system's alerts also warn caregivers if you are overdue for an examination or lab work. So busy caregivers don't have to rely on memory (theirs or yours) to provide the best possible care
How does an EHR benefit your physician (and other caregivers)?
With electronic records, your caregiver has immediate access to your medical record, eliminating time spent tracking down paper files. Plus, caregivers can enter important notes in the electronic record with the assurance that everyone will be able to read them, and they can order and view lab tests and results from anywhere, whether they are in the exam room or the hospital. The EHR also enables your physician to send prescriptions instantly to your pharmacy, so your medication is waiting for you when you arrive. And you never have to worry that the pharmacist will mis-read your physicians' handwriting, because all information is digital.
Are Electronic Health Records safe?
Everyone from the President of the United States to the governors of many states and the Secretary of Health and Human Services has put their stamp of approval on Electronic Health Records. Our government recommends physicians use an EHR because they know it makes the entire healthcare system safer for patients, more efficient and more cost effective. At EVMS Health Services, we have always taken the greatest care to secure your health information. We believe the TouchWorks EHR makes your medical information even more secure. The system uses the very latest in computer security to ensure the safety of your information, and is fully compliant with HIPPA, the federal regulation governing health information.
