Are you wondering about personal health records? While the topic has gotten a lot of hype recently, what exactly is a personal health record, and what can it do for you?
Some doctors have begun using electronic medical records in the last ten years or so. With this system, the doctor can go into their notes into an online database. They can look up information about your health, save it, and look it all up in one place, for easy reference.
Here, we take a look at the differences between paper vs electronic medical records. We both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Definition of Paper vs Electronic Medical Records
Paper vs electronic medical records is both used to store and document patient medical information.
Paper medical records are documents that are kept in physical medical record books. These can include documents such as the following:
- medical history
- exam results
- diagnoses
- medications prescribed
- and more
Electronic medical records are digital versions of the information kept in paper medical records. These records are stored in an electronic system and are accessed and managed with computers.
Advantages of Paper vs Electronic Medical Records
Advantages of paper vs electronic medical records include cost, portability, and privacy. Paper medical records are typically much more cost-effective than electronic medical records. Paper records can be easily transported. Allowing medical practitioners to take medical records with them to different locations. This is also applicable when sharing records with patients.
Paper records are more difficult to steal as paper records require physical access. Paper records also guarantee privacy. While electronic medical records may be vulnerable to hacking. It cannot guarantee the privacy of patient information.
Despite the advantages of paper medical records, they are becoming less common in the medical industry. As electronic records allow for faster and easier access to vital patient information.
Disadvantages of Paper vs Electronic Medical Records
Paper medical records have some distinct disadvantages compared to electronic medical records. The most obvious is the cost associated with keeping large paper filing systems. Also the need for physical storage for all of these records. This means that healthcare providers using paper records must always have dedicated staff. As well as resources to manage and operate these systems.
Another drawback is the difficulty in keeping records up to date as a patient’s health care needs change. This can slow down communication and coordination of care, as it is difficult to update paper records in real-time. Paper records don’t always provide an audit trail to ensure the following:
- accuracy
- accountability
- compliance with federal or state regulations
Finally, paper records can become easily lost or damaged. Whereas electronic medical records have built-in backups and security features. This helps prevent unauthorized access or corruption of data.
The Legal Implications of Paper vs Electronic Medical Records
The legal implications of paper vs electronic medical records can be quite complex. For one, information stored electronically must be stored and backed up securely.
It could also become subject to a data breach that could compromise patient confidentiality. As well as open the door to potential legal action against the healthcare provider.
To ensure the security of electronic medical records, computer systems must be compliant with the HIPAA Security Rule. They must comply with requirements for data storage, transmission, and data sharing.
Paper records, on the other hand, may be vulnerable to unintentional destruction. Also, tampering in a way that electronic records generally cannot be.
Additionally, paper records may not be stored or transferred according to HIPAA guidelines. Therefore may present a greater risk of legal action.
Cost of Paper vs Security Implications of Different Medical Record Forms
Paper forms are an inexpensive and reliable way to store information, but the potential for information to be stolen or lost is a potential risk. Digital forms, such as those used more on EM coding, prevent data breaches.
However, they incur higher costs due to system maintenance and associated usage fees.
Taking the time to research and assess each form is very important to ensure the proper storage of medical records. As well as its associated costs and security implications.
Impact of Paper vs Electronic Medical Records on Patient Care
Increased efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility are just a few of the benefits of EHR. Clinicians can now access patient data, allowing for more informed care decisions. An increased amount of patient data can be recorded, allowing for improved diagnosis and treatments.
Electronic medical records have enabled healthcare providers to spend more time. Engaging with patients instead of managing paperwork. It has also enabled healthcare providers to improve patient management. While also reducing overall costs. Ultimately, this shift has had a significant positive impact on patient care.
Explore Paper vs Electronic Medical Records Today
Paper vs electronic medical records is an important discussion being had in the medical industry today. Electronic medical records have quick access to information. Not only that, but it has also a faster turnaround time and high accuracy of data. Paper records can be time-consuming, have a higher cost, and are more prone to errors.
For these reasons, it is important for medical staff to understand their benefits and drawbacks and to implement the best solution for their organization. Act now and make sure your organization is staying up-to-date on the latest developments with paper and electronic medical records!
Did you enjoy reading this article? If so, then be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more!
