Perhaps one of the greatest concerns surrounding electronic medical records (EMRs) is whether they will positively – or negatively – affect patient satisfaction. Many of these questions involve fears about how to protect the privacy of medical records, but there are also concerns regarding the fallibility of EMRs. In reality, however, a quality, CCHIT certified digital recordkeeping system should provide added protection from loss of data and additional security for sensitive patient information.

All physicians want to give their patients the best, and quality EMR software should allow doctors to provide state-of-the-art care by eliminating sub-standard systems that could potentially harm the reputation of a facility. For example, many certified systems are designed to communicate with one another, making it much easier for patient data (including referrals, subscriptions and emergency medical information, to name only a few) to be shared between various healthcare facilities. This ensures accuracy of information, as patients will no longer be required to remember and transmit pertinent messages or to carry paper files around on various doctor visits.

In addition to making it easier to transmit medical information, EMRs also greatly reduce the risk for error – both with respect to medical care and billing systems. Historically, the likelihood of making an error when entering and transcribing information by hand on paper documents has been high, but statistics have already shown a dramatic reduction in such errors among facilities that have adopted electronic medical records. Also important, EMRs prevent the total loss of patient information, since everything is routinely backed up on a remote server. Even in the event of a fire that destroys an entire facility, digitally stored records would be kept safe, while their paper counterparts would be reduced to little more than ashes.

As with any new technology, the idea of EMRs will undoubtedly take some getting used to – for both physicians and patients – but over time it will continue to become more apparent that the benefits far outweigh any possible risk. In the end, both sides will ultimately benefit from the added security, accuracy and efficiency that EMRs can provide.