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Electronic Medical Records.
According to the study by James G. Lenhart, M.D., Karen Honess, Deborah Covington, DrPH, et al., "An Analysis of Trends, Perceptions, and Use Patterns of Electronic Medical Records Among U.S. Family Practice Residency Programs," Family Medicine (February, 2000), the use of electronic medical record (EMR) is low in U.S. family practice residency programs and usage will likely increase from 17% to 47% by 2000. A particular concern for patients is confidentiality. There are a variety of Internet companies offering a variety of on-line medical history services such as: On the way to the electronic medical records, many hospitals have begun to computerize such events as order entry and results reporting. When the physician does order entry through the computer a feedback information may exist to assist the physician in making a more effective decision. Specific educational screens for certain targeted orders flash certain "suggestions" after the physician has selected one of the targeted items based on either high cost or could benefit by appropriate substitutions. Examples might include presenting recommended criteria be met before ordering certain tests or suggesting a more effective program of antibiotic therapy. After the suggestion screen appears, physicians are able to bypass the screen and make their selection. A Journal of the American Medical Association study found an average of $900 savings per admission for doctors who use computers instead of paper to order drugs and tests for hospital patients.
Many HMO’s are now using or starting to use a computerized system that when the HMO issues a pre-certification authorization that it comes with a medical guideline that goes out to the hospital and the doctor. A disadvantage of Electronic Medical Records is that Electronic Medical Records should be viewed as a form of continuing medical education and should inform not dictate medical practice.
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