| As you weigh the potential benefits of implementing an EHR system in your practice, your patients' concerns may not always be at the top of the list. But, it is worth asking: Can EHR technologies really improve their experience? |
 |
| In fact, EHRs offer many potential advantages for your patients, as well as your medical practice. Providing your patients with information on how they may benefit from more streamlined processes, including potential ease of access to their health information, can help allay any fears they may have during the transition from paper based to electronic based health records. |
|
| EHR can have a direct impact on your patients by speeding up the process of each visit, from check in to follow up, allowing you to: |
|
|
• |
Work from one automated and comprehensive patient record |
|
• |
Manage the flow of information more quickly and effectively |
|
• |
Increase communication and collaboration across all clinical areas |
|
• |
Expedite scheduling for tests and treatment procedures |
|
• |
Improve treatment plan recommendations and delivery of care |
|
• |
Reduce turnaround time for test results |
|
• |
Help prevent unnecessary tests |
|
• |
Allow easy access of information during a patient visit |
|
| Educating patients on the changes they can expect during EHR implementation can help put them at ease and facilitate a smoother transition. Privacy can be a concern, so you may want to reassure your patients that EHR records are treated with the same confidentiality as paper records and that only authorized staff have access to these records. |
|
| Reducing potential medical errors by having all medical information stored in one place should be reassuring to your patient. The ability to see what drugs your patient may be taking, or has taken in the past may help avoid adverse side effects and can help you prescribe the most appropriate medicine. EHR systems can also help you more quickly and precisely send prescription information electronically to the patient's pharmacy (as long as your system is linked and able to correspond with the pharmacy of choice). Additionally, it is helpful for your patients to know that their records can be electronically transmitted with ease from one medical practice to another should they move, avoiding having to fill out duplicative paperwork, and saving time for both your patient and the practice. |
|
| Patients are looking for prompt attention with minimal waiting, friendly service, and timely follow up. If your EHR system can help you with addressing these needs more effectively, your practice and your patients will benefit. |
|
