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Debunking common EHR myths

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Electronic health records (EHR) are designed to streamline patient records, provide easy access to patient data, and encourage communication between physicians and patients. As with most new technology, there are some misconceptions and myths still prevalent in the healthcare world about EHR. A recent blog post in exscribe, published by Orthopaedic Healthcare Solutions, helps to debunk some of those EHR myths.

Myth: Spending too much time on the computer takes away from the physician’s face-to-face interactions with patients.

In fact, quite the opposite is true. When independent physicians have immediate access to a patient’s medical data with the touch of a finger, the physician can actually spend more time talking with – and listening to – the patient and less time sorting through paperwork. EHRs also provide a portal for patient engagement after the visit, further developing that crucial physician-patient relationship.

Myth: EHRs pose a security risk.

In fact, patient records are more secure on a cloud-based system. A patient’s electronic protected health information (ePHI) is covered under the current HIPAA laws. When using a cloud-based EHR system, security is actually more heavily safeguarded. Cloud-based servers are initiating careful and tactical efforts (such as conducting risk analyses, encrypting data, etc.) in order to assure that a patient’s ePHI is kept safe and private.

Myth: EHR systems are all the same.

In fact, there are major differences between EHR systems. The choice of an EHR solution for an independent physician’s practice can make the difference between a smooth implementation and the time spent training and acclimating to the new system. In addition, an EHR system should be selected that provides the physician with the ability to coordinate care with other providers and communicate seamlessly and securely with patients.

Elation’s EHR solution is designed to provide independent physicians with the advanced technology they need to improve the quality of healthcare they provide to their patients. Learn more about how a Clinical First EHR is different than other EHRs.