Hcs 490 Communication Research Paper
Communication Paper
July, 22, 2013
Keith Cecil
HCS/490
Dr. Green
One specific mode of communication utilized by health care workers and consumers alike is electronic health records (EHR). We will discuss the benefits of this method of communication for the consumer, how it assists in maintaining patient confidentiality, the effectiveness of the EHR for communication between providers and the consumer, and how this method of communication differs from others. We will also discuss how media and social networking might change communication in health care. For many years the health care industry has used a paper method for recording medical information. This method of communication is outdated, …show more content…
to say the least. We are now advancing health care to a new level with the use of EHR.
Benefits to the Patient The aspect of EHR that is most beneficial for the patient is the convenience of having all of his or her medical information electronically stored. With an EHR patients have the ability to see multiple providers without having to repeat or fill out the same information for every appointment. This is made possible by electronically transferring the information and sometimes multiple facilities may even be on the same network, so the information is automatically uploaded to the system. This not only saves time for the patient it also ensures that his or her medical information is correct a consistent, which reduces errors and prevents unnecessary errors on medical records.
Values and Importance of Maintaining Patient Confidentiality
Patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance when using this form of communication. HIPAA rules and regulations must still be complied with, regardless of the method of communication used. Access to patient information is limited to only individuals who are involved with the direct care or billing of a patient. This is accomplished by requiring a user name and password when accessing patient information. It should be understood that all medical information is just as, if not more, secure with using EHR versus paper records (Medicalrecords.com, 2013).
Effective Means of Communication between Providers and Consumers
EHR has proven to be an effective means of communication between health care providers and consumers. The ability for consumers and providers to ensure that prescriptions are filled, appointments are made, information is exchanged, and anything that needs to be communicated can be done electronically and conveniently when using an EHR system (EMR and HIPAA.com, 2013).
How this Mode of Communication Differs from Others
EHR is different from other communication methods such as email and web based forums in a few different ways. This mode of communication is secure, efficient, and accurate. Although email may be an accurate and efficient form of communication it may not always be the most secure. Web based forums are neither accurate nor secure. Many times information can be added by anyone, even without proper training or accreditation to do so. This creates an unofficial and unreliable source of information. EHR are secure and accurate, which means a lot when it comes to health care information.
Media and Social Networking are Changing Communication in Health Care
EHR have assisted in the advancement of health care into the technological world.
This has opened doors to social media and networking, which can be very effective tools in marketing and maintaining a positive client base for health care organizations and product providers alike. It seems to be an invaluable source for communicating with stakeholders, sharing thoughts, ideas, and viewpoints, posting updates, and collaborating with colleagues and consumers for better outcomes. It is believed that social media and networking will be a great source of communication for providers and consumers alike for many years to come. Forums such as Facebook and Twitter only seem to be the beginning of this new realm of communication for health care. Basically social networking and media will play a key role in the future of health care as we know it. Social networking will likely offer health care organizations and professionals the ability to improve care coordination, develop clearer and more accurate content, accelerate drug discovery, enhance performance of customer service in insurance providers, and advance continuing education for health care providers in the near future (Selzer,
2011)
References:
Joel Selzer. (2011). How Social Networking is Changing the Business of Health Care. Retrieved from: http://www.aiim.org/community/blogs/community/How-Social-Networking-is-Changing-the-Business-of-Healthcare
EMRand HIPAA.com. (2013). Benefits of EMR Software to Consumers. Retrieved from: http://www.emrandhipaa.com/emr-and-hipaa/2010/05/27/benefits-of-emr-software-to-consumers/
Medicalrecords.com. (2013). HIPAA compliance for EMR/HER Systems. Retrieved from: http://www.medicalrecords.com/physicians/compliance
July, 22, 2013
Keith Cecil
HCS/490
Dr. Green
One specific mode of communication utilized by health care workers and consumers alike is electronic health records (EHR). We will discuss the benefits of this method of communication for the consumer, how it assists in maintaining patient confidentiality, the effectiveness of the EHR for communication between providers and the consumer, and how this method of communication differs from others. We will also discuss how media and social networking might change communication in health care. For many years the health care industry has used a paper method for recording medical information. This method of communication is outdated, …show more content…
to say the least. We are now advancing health care to a new level with the use of EHR.
Benefits to the Patient The aspect of EHR that is most beneficial for the patient is the convenience of having all of his or her medical information electronically stored. With an EHR patients have the ability to see multiple providers without having to repeat or fill out the same information for every appointment. This is made possible by electronically transferring the information and sometimes multiple facilities may even be on the same network, so the information is automatically uploaded to the system. This not only saves time for the patient it also ensures that his or her medical information is correct a consistent, which reduces errors and prevents unnecessary errors on medical records.
Values and Importance of Maintaining Patient Confidentiality
Patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance when using this form of communication. HIPAA rules and regulations must still be complied with, regardless of the method of communication used. Access to patient information is limited to only individuals who are involved with the direct care or billing of a patient. This is accomplished by requiring a user name and password when accessing patient information. It should be understood that all medical information is just as, if not more, secure with using EHR versus paper records (Medicalrecords.com, 2013).
Effective Means of Communication between Providers and Consumers
EHR has proven to be an effective means of communication between health care providers and consumers. The ability for consumers and providers to ensure that prescriptions are filled, appointments are made, information is exchanged, and anything that needs to be communicated can be done electronically and conveniently when using an EHR system (EMR and HIPAA.com, 2013).
How this Mode of Communication Differs from Others
EHR is different from other communication methods such as email and web based forums in a few different ways. This mode of communication is secure, efficient, and accurate. Although email may be an accurate and efficient form of communication it may not always be the most secure. Web based forums are neither accurate nor secure. Many times information can be added by anyone, even without proper training or accreditation to do so. This creates an unofficial and unreliable source of information. EHR are secure and accurate, which means a lot when it comes to health care information.
Media and Social Networking are Changing Communication in Health Care
EHR have assisted in the advancement of health care into the technological world.
This has opened doors to social media and networking, which can be very effective tools in marketing and maintaining a positive client base for health care organizations and product providers alike. It seems to be an invaluable source for communicating with stakeholders, sharing thoughts, ideas, and viewpoints, posting updates, and collaborating with colleagues and consumers for better outcomes. It is believed that social media and networking will be a great source of communication for providers and consumers alike for many years to come. Forums such as Facebook and Twitter only seem to be the beginning of this new realm of communication for health care. Basically social networking and media will play a key role in the future of health care as we know it. Social networking will likely offer health care organizations and professionals the ability to improve care coordination, develop clearer and more accurate content, accelerate drug discovery, enhance performance of customer service in insurance providers, and advance continuing education for health care providers in the near future (Selzer,
2011)
References:
Joel Selzer. (2011). How Social Networking is Changing the Business of Health Care. Retrieved from: http://www.aiim.org/community/blogs/community/How-Social-Networking-is-Changing-the-Business-of-Healthcare
EMRand HIPAA.com. (2013). Benefits of EMR Software to Consumers. Retrieved from: http://www.emrandhipaa.com/emr-and-hipaa/2010/05/27/benefits-of-emr-software-to-consumers/
Medicalrecords.com. (2013). HIPAA compliance for EMR/HER Systems. Retrieved from: http://www.medicalrecords.com/physicians/compliance