Heidi Babcock-Marvin
Ohio University
National EHR Mandate
An electronic health record (EHR) defines as the permissible patient record created in hospitals that serve as the data source for all health records. It is an electronic version of a paper chart that includes the patient’s medical history, maintained by the provider over time, and may include all of the key administrative clinical data relevant to that persons care. Information that is readily available includes information such as demographics, progress notes, allergies, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data, & radiology reports. The intent of an EHR can be understood as a complete record of patient encounters. It also allows for the automation and streamlining of the workflow on health care settings and increases safety through evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting. There are many functions associated with patient health records. Not only is the record used to document patient care, but the record is also used for financial, legal information, research, and quality improvement purposes. The integration of technology and health care will enable health professionals to provide more effective quality care.
National EHR Mandate The goal of the EHR mandate is to ensure that appropriate information to guide medical decisions is available at the time and place of care. Additionally, it is to improve the quality of health care, the reduction of medical errors, to advance the delivery of appropriate and evidence-based medical care, and to reduce of health care costs. The uprising cost results form incompetence, medical errors, inappropriate care, and deficient information. The mandate also utilizes the promotion of a more effective marketplace, greater competition, and increased choice. This is possible through the vast accessibility of particular information on health care costs, quality,
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