6 Indicators That every Healthcare practice needs to Digitise Paper-based Patient files

The world of business as we know it including the medical industry has for the most part gone digital. In this article we look at digitizing paper-based files.

Many medical practices in South Africa are still using paper-based patient files. It could be that the idea of going paperless (or paper-light) may be daunting. This is especially true of established practices with many years’ worth of paper-based patient files. However, there can be no arguing that digitizing patient files is critical to ensuring the progress of medical practices.

EMR/EHR stands for Electronic medical record / Electronic Health Record (https://healthbridge.co.za/products/emr/) and it is the systematized collection of patient health information & a digital equivalent of paper records.

Here are 6 problematic areas that healthcare practices may be currently experiencing that can easily be solved by EMRs/EHRs:

THERE ARE TOO MANY PAPER FILES AND NOT ENOUGH PHYSICAL STORAGE SPACE IN THE PRACTICE

With EMRs/EHRs patient files are stored safely and securely in the cloud. This means that a lot of space can be freed up in filing cabinets and the space to accommodate these cabinets.

THERE IS NO BACKUP PLAN FOR PATIENT DATA IN THE EVENT OF A THEFT OR NATURAL DISASTER

EMRs/EHRs store data safely & securely in the cloud giving practitioners access to their data from any device, even after a natural (or manmade) disaster.

THE ADMIN OF THE PRACTICE IS VERY TIME-CONSUMING AND PRONE TO ERROR

A huge benefit of a good EMR/EHR is that it integrates with the medical billing software of the practice. The result is streamlined invoicing & claims processes, automation of routine practice admin & reduction of the need to capture duplicate data (thereby reducing human error).

MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS ARE NOT ALWAYS OFFICE BASED

Cloud-based EMRs/EHRs enable medical practitioners to safely access data on the go. Whether a patient’s file is needed in the middle of the night, or the practitioner needs to check on practice data while on holiday – access via a reputable EMR/HER is safe & secure.

THE SPECIALITY OF A HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER IS AT GREATER RISK OF MALPRACTICE LAWSUITS

Every medical profession has some risk of malpractice claims but there are specialities, such as gynaecology, where the proper documentation can provide evidence in the practitioner’s defense. Due to individual timestamps, EMRs/EHRs enable better accuracy and accountability. By doing so, it is possible to keep track of who diagnoses patients and prescribes treatment.

THERE ISN'T ENOUGH TIME TO COMPILE PATIENT CHARTS

The use of EMRs and EHRs let healthcare practitioners treat at the top of their licenses by tracking important patient data.

It is very apparent that EMRs/EHRs are far more secure than paper-based records because of the inherent reduced risk during adverse events (fire, theft, etc.)

Because every entry log is consistent with a specific individual and time, accountability becomes easier to retain, making it much easier to stay on top of who diagnosed a patient and the recommended medical outcomes.

Last but not the least - With EMR or EHR, medical data can be formatted in a way that enhances legibility and accuracy. There is always a possibility of human error & a loss of data integrity when paper records are maintained.

For more information about how an EMR/EHR can help you build your best practice, click here (https://healthbridge.co.za/form/ebook-request-call-back/) for a no-obligation practice health assessment.