Health eMinutes

What do Electronic Health Records Mean For You?


Many medical facilities, including North Memorial Medical Center, have changed how patient information is recorded and stored. By moving from paper records to electronic records, many health care organizations are creating an electronic health record (EHR) for each patient. The result is increased safety and enhanced service for patients.

Here is a set of questions and answers about electronic health records.

Q. What is an electronic health record?
A. An electronic health record is a computerized version of your paper medical record. It contains everything from your insurance information to health history and diagnoses, lab and X-ray results, medications you take, any allergies and notes from each visit to the clinic.

Q. What's the benefit of electronic health records?
A. Having all of that information in one place will help paint a complete picture of your health, helping care providers diagnose and treat you. With an electronic record, your providers will also have faster access to information, since records will be stored in a centralized location. Most systems have built-in safeguards, such as alerting physicians when you have an allergy to a medication.

Q. How will it impact patients?
A. Most of the changes are "behind the scenes." You will notice physicians and nurses entering information into a computer during your visit, and not on paper. Employees at the front desk will also verify your insurance information on the computer.

One benefit patients will realize is improved convenience when filling a prescription. In many cases, your doctor can send your prescription to your preferred pharmacy while you are still at the clinic. That often means your medicine will be ready when you stop at the pharmacy on your way home.

Q. Is this information secure?
A. Electronic health records employ secure systems and protocols. Only authorized staff will be able to access your record. And all information in the electronic record is "backed up," so that it won't be lost.