As reported in this HealthIT.gov Benefits of EHRs article, “Improved Diagnostics and Patient Outcomes,” providers who have access to complete and accurate information are able to provide better care for their patients. EHRs can improve the ability to diagnose diseases and help to prevent medical errors. With EHRs, providers can have reliable access to a patient’s complete health information. This comprehensive picture can help providers diagnose patients’ problems sooner. How? EHRs don’t just contain or transmit information; they “compute” it. That means that EHRs manipulate the information in ways that make a difference for patients.
A national survey of doctors who are ready for Meaningful Use shows that:
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- 94% of providers report that their EHR makes records readily available at the point of care
- 88% report that their EHR produces clinical benefits for the practice
- 75% of providers report that their EHR allows them to deliver better patient care
[/checklist] Furthermore, EHRs may improve risk management and prevent liability actions.In Summary: Effective use of EHR systems leads to Improved patient outcomes, improved quality of care, transformations in the clinical process, increased revenue, and improved documentation and coding.
On the Forefront: This EHRintelligence.com article by Kyle Murphy, PhD from earlier this month, titled “How Innovative EHR Use Supports Quality Care Improvements,” explains how developments in EHR use and technology are allowing practices to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation, streamlining the way care is provided and revolutionizing the physician/patient experience for both entities.