Electronic medical records - Jan'09

Electronic medical records are computer-based patient medical records. Many offices, hospitals and doctors from United States are increasingly using these records because there are many benefits over conventional paper-based medical records. Such records are also useful in the procedure of health insurance claims and follow up with patients. A good benefit to medical providers is the instant availability of data once it is entered electronically, and the space and labor savings resulting from the elimination of paper-based records.

Electronic medical records are readily accessible and save time. It has increasing standard where and when required, and also reduce many errors in either entry or interpretation of medical information. By the use of Electronic medical records patient’s medical and contact information is readily available and is potentially life-saving during critical medical circumstances, such as severe allergic reactions or heart attacks. By reducing errors and saving time, electronic medical records may therefore help reduce the large number of deaths attributed to medical error in the United States each year.


Special software is required, to enter medical information into an electronic medical record. The electronic medical records software industry is rapidly growing, and such software is becoming increasingly sophisticated. While basic software allows for entry of physician orders and notes and nurses’ notes, more advanced software may include error-checking programs, the capacity to minimize with hand-held data devices, and other advanced features that increase the utility of records.