Running a medical practice is fraught with complexities as multiple processes, patient expectations, and risks of errors can get overwhelming. Handling patient data is another painful aspect, considering the volume of paperwork you probably have to deal with. The good thing is that you can go paperless by switching to paper-based records. While some organizations may justify sticking with a legacy system for cost-savings, digitization serves immense benefits worth taking. In fact, even smaller facilities with fewer patients must embrace innovation to future-proof themselves. Let us explain why medical practices should consider going paperless with EMRs.
Access only to legit users
Healthcare data is precious because patients expect the privacy of their personal information. Loss or theft of records can land a medical practice in a problem and even affect its credibility in the long run. A paper-based system for patient records is risky because unauthorized people can access them. However, you have better control over data access with an EMR system. You can decide who can access information and when and also change access credentials down the line.
Secure data with encryption
Another security concern with paper files is that anyone can get their hands on them, transcribe details, make copies, and misuse information. Conversely, going paperless lets you secure data with robust encryption methods. Data security gives you peace of mind as you need not worry about adherence to privacy regulations and industry standards such as HIPAA. Compliance keeps your organization safe from penalties and reputational damage, which are the last things you want to deal with.
Consolidation of records
Medical records are varied and complex as organizations keep track of patient history, medical imaging, diagnostic test results, treatment plans, and specific patient notes. You can imagine the size of individual files and the volume of paperwork for your practice. An EMR simplifies things for your organization by consolidating records in one place. When you explore EMR system features before embracing them, ensure it lets you segregate records yet keep everything in one place. Consolidating records is valuable for a patient care practice because providers get the entire information they require for correct decision-making.
Less clutter, more productivity
Switching from paper-based records to EMR enables you to cut clutter and paperwork for your organization. Besides saving space, zero clutter boosts the productivity of your staff members. Practitioners can quickly search for files on their computers instead of sifting through loads of papers and reports. It speeds up clinical decisions and minimizes the probability of error.
Provides reliable data backup
Besides securing patient records from unauthorized access, EMR provides reliable data backups that stay available under worst-case scenarios. You need not worry about a natural disaster or an act of vandalism destroying confidential information. Unlike paper files, you can always restore digital records from an offsite backup source. Your operations will be up and running quickly, no matter how daunting a disaster is.
Going paperless with an EMR solution is the best decision for your healthcare organization. You must not miss out on the switch, regardless of your facility’s size and patient traffic.
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