The document discusses the benefits of electronic medical records (EMRs) over traditional paper-based records. It notes that EMRs allow for consolidated patient information across providers, easier access to records, and improved ability to share information. The document also outlines several specific benefits of EMRs, including improved speed and accessibility of records, increased storage capacity and security, greater efficiency, and cost savings through reduced overhead. Overall, the document argues that EMRs provide multiple advantages to patients, doctors, and healthcare organizations.

1. Plus91 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Title: An EMR Edge
Author: Amit Kumar
http://www.plus91.in
An EMR Edge
By- Amit Kumar
Most often, a patient's record is just a folder with the patient's details and photograph
on the front cover and sheets of data recording previous visits inside. While some of the
data and prescriptions might be recorded in the hospital's legacy systems but other
documents would require a long hard search to locate them. Essentially, there is no
consolidation of a patient's information to equip doctors to get a quick overview of the
patient's health. Hence there should be a system in place with help of which, all the
Patient’s information must be stored at a single point of contact and therefore need of
EMR is gradually increasing and in demand for such reasons.
Basically EMR i.e. Electronic medical record is a computerized medical record
created in an organization that delivers care, and make records in an easy, safe and
smart way. An Electronic Medical Record is a secured electronic file of patient history,
medical transcription notes, billing information, and all other information necessary to
have a complete patient profile. It is true that the electronic medical record is indicative
of a faster-paced informational age in which larger quantities of information require
more effective database infrastructure, but there are many more benefits to both the
medical service provider and the consumer. Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), or
computer-based medical records of patients, have already gained importance in the
western world with governments taking up initiatives to implement them across the
nations. Comparatively, in Asia, esp. in countries like India and China, there is a long
way to go before the benefits of EMRs can be realized.
What is the reality in India? Firstly, a distinction between EHR and EMR – while both
refer electronic version of records, EMR is limited to a specific institution or a group of
institutions, while EHR relates to a common platform that would allow disparate
institutions in the private and government sector to share medical charts electronically
(within strictly maintaining the privacy of patient records). The whole idea behind the
EHR philosophy is to allow the chart to be portable between hospitals allowing greater
flexibility for patients and doctors. Given the volume of patients they see in a day, it is
hard to imagine physicians taking time to make notes directly into the system. There is
also a stigma attached to doctors typing their own notes. But, like any other technology
or practice, EMR will not gain a foothold unless there are some incentives and/or some
penalties in the healthcare system.
In spite of all the benefits that doctors glean from switching to EMR's, many physicians
tend to drag their feet when it comes to EMR's because of the training and equipment
involved in using a new system around the office, therefore selling EMR packages
©2006-2011 Plus91 Technologies Pvt. Ltd

2. Plus91 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Title: An EMR Edge
Author: Amit Kumar
http://www.plus91.in
should not be the goal but a by-product. Software companies should first invest time
and effort to educate the customer. Then they need to sell the appropriate package if it
is the right fit. We should rather not make a sale if it is not the right fit for the customer
and keep his respect for ourselves and our company. Fortunately, some EMR
companies have eliminated this obstacle by providing the equipment, training and
continued customer support that doctors need to make electronic medical records
successful in their practices.
Benefits of Electronic Medical Records
Electronic Medical Records can deliver multiple benefits to the various stakeholders in
the healthcare process. For patients, they simplify management of their medical history
across multiple doctors, hospitals and other facilities. They also enable quick access and
retrieval in case of an emergency. Risk of loss of valuable data is greatly reduced. For
hospitals and other healthcare providers – EMRs simplify the overall records
management process. For doctors, EMRs enable quick review of past history of a
patient and aid in rapid diagnosis. They also enable a doctor to quickly forward and
discuss a patient’s condition with a colleague or a specialist.
Similarly, intelligent offline availability of these EMRs is also critical (especially in
India) where internet adoption (especially amongst senior citizens) is not that high, and
where internet availability is not reliable. Offline availability can be enabled through
storage devices such as CDs, USB drives, etc. It is important that the offline usage
scenario has the same user-friendly search and retrieval capability of the EMRs.
Speed and Accessibility
The business world of the 21st century is fast-paced, even in medical practices, speed
equals ability to compete, especially when managing information. That is why an
electronic medical record system, or EMR, should be used by most medical practices. In
addition, a fast electronic medical record system requires less time invested in trouble
shooting and allows more time invested in caring for patients. The latest electronic
medical record technology allows information to be downloaded directly onto a PDA or
Palm device. In addition to PDA access, authorized individuals can access an electronic
medical record online from any location.
Storage and Security
An electronic medical record is an electronic database of information capable of
carrying much more information than traditional systems. An electronic medical record
system can manage records from multiple offices as well as multiple types of records.
This type of system secures records with backup files in case of emergencies. In
addition, only authorized users may access them. This double security system is a
"preventative medicine" for record viruses.
©2006-2011 Plus91 Technologies Pvt. Ltd

3. Plus91 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Title: An EMR Edge
Author: Amit Kumar
http://www.plus91.in
Efficiency and Support
We have almost made it full circle in our discussion of the benefits of having an
electronic medical record. But efficiency is not the same as speed. Efficiency takes all of
the duties involved in medical record and medical office management divided by time
and money. Electronic medical record software can increase the numerators and
decrease the denominators. Businesses often ask about the bottom line. Well, the math
says it all. Also both practices and patients can access customer support from a medical
billing specialist provided through the electronic medical record software.
Manageability and Affordability
The benefits of an electronic medical
record may sound wonderful, but there
is one more question to ask: Is it user
friendly? When adopting new
technology, remember that the
master needs to ride in the saddle,
not the horse. Some technology
requires so much attention that a
business owner may be worried
that he or she is now employed by
the new technology and not the
other way around. This is perhaps
the most appealing part of the
latest electronic medical record
technology. Every business wants to
save money while at the same time
adopting time-saving technology.
Because electronic medical record Technology should adapt to the
software uses online technology, much provider not the other way around.
of the set up costs and overhead are
eliminated and reduced to monthly
usage fees.
So not only do the benefits make the transition to EMR a wise decision, it is
likely that the demands and compliance will soon make it a mandate. As
technology continues to improve, electronic medical records will have even
more applications in the medical field. They will probably become faster
and easier to use as well. Making the transition now can help you take
advantage of all the changes that occur. And, as you become more efficient
and profitable in your Practice, you will be able to deliver better service and
care to your patients.
©2006-2011 Plus91 Technologies Pvt. Ltd

4. Plus91 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Title: An EMR Edge
Author: Amit Kumar
http://www.plus91.in
About Plus91:
Plus91 is a Healthcare Technology firm developing Innovative High Quality Solutions
for the Indian Healthcare Industry. These vary in complexity from Simple Practice
Management Suites to complicated Telemedicine Enabled EMR's. Plus91 is defining
what the next generation of Healthcare needs to be. Maximized across locations, people,
solutions and verticals; we cater to a growing mass of people in an integrated and ever
changing environment.
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kind. This Article may have statements that talk about things that could happen in the
future. These are called forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements as a
rule are not historical. They are subject to certain risks and doubts. These could cause
actual results to differ greatly from our past outcomes. Plus91 makes no claim that the
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