New records save time, reduce paper and errors

Dr. Amy Banter knows how cumbersome files of medical records and patient charts can be, a never ending pile of paper that can be difficult to conquer. In her role as the associate medical director of the BMH Family Medicine Residency, she now enjoys life without loads of paper patient files thanks to the Electronic Medical Records system (EMR) now in use in the Family Medicine Residency.

The EMR system is replacing the old paper folders used by physician offices. Primarily used for outpatient physician office settings, the EMR changes the way physicians track a patient’s medical history.

“The system is increasing efficiency and helping physicians to be proactive,” Dr. Banter said. “I can now show patients on screen how different numbers related to their health have been trending, show them x-rays, blood work, anything with just a few clicks.”

Clinicians use the electronic records to document findings or make observations during the visit as they would have with the paper records. It provides physicians with automated healthcare information for patients seeking medical attention on a regular basis. According to Tom Powers, vice president, Information Systems, the EMR can also bring special attention to a patient’s specific healthcare needs.

“Healthy patients may require certain screening exams when appropriate for age, risk factors and family history, said Powers. “EMR triggers these reminders so that the physician and office staff can remain proactive.” When results of a patient’s exams become available, the EMR enters them automatically and can begin tracking and graphing trends, such as blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. With the old files, a physician may only be looking at an isolated incidence and not recognize downward or upward trends in a patient’s health. Dr. Banter has been using the EMR in her medical office for about a year. She has seen that faster availability of exams and screenings results in better patient care.

“Patients like to be able to view their medical history,” said Dr. Banter. “The EMR allows both the patient and the physician to view one’s medical history. Defining trends in blood glucose levels or tracking diseases is much easier and allows the physician to use the EMR as a teaching tool for the patient.”

Traditionally, illegible handwriting has been a significant safety risk for the patient. Using the EMR, documentation of patients’ medical history is highly legible and easy to read and understand. Previous information about a patient’s medical history is scanned into the system to create a comprehensive list of all previous medical problems, treatments received, test results and past or current medications. Physicians are also able to enter patient prescriptions, which are then sent electronically to their pharmacy of choice.

Back to CHS News