Introduction to the Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
Gary L Williams
Western Governors University
Introduction to the Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
The new millennium has produced many changes in the world as we know it. Our national security which seemed to be impermeable has revealed its vulnerability to being breached. Remember September 11, 2001 when the hi-jacking of planes lead to the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City, and severe damage the Pentagon in Washington DC. Now our Healthcare System has now moved into the information highway. How you may ask, through the introduction of the EMR. So will the EMR be safe and secure? Let us investigate.
So just what is the EMR? There are many formal definitions but the one that stands out and will be used today is from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). It states: The Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a longitudinal electronic record of patient health information generated by one or more encounters in any care delivery setting. Included in this information are patient demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data and radiology reports. The EHR automates and streamlines the clinician 's workflow. The EHR has the ability to generate a complete record of a clinical patient encounter - as well as supporting other care-related activities directly or indirectly via interface - including evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting. (HIMSS)
Within this definition there is a multitude of system components. Think of it like the multiple
Introduction to the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) dividers that were found in the paper medical record. For instance, you may see headers like, medication record, order entry, nursing assessments, the plan of care, education, radiology, cardiology, etc. Under
References: Milne, M. (2006, March 6). HIPAA in a "Nutshell" - Guidelines for EMR and Paper Medical Records Compliance. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?HIPAA-in-a-Nutshell---Guidelines-for-EMR-and-Paper-Medical-Records-Compliance&id=156737