Electronic medical records in practice: are we there yet?

The thought of EMR still scares some doctors but this number is dwindling. The reason for this paradigm shift is obvious. EMR allow a medical practice to operate more efficiently and effectively than the traditional paper chart method. Simply put, use of EMR is better medicine.

Why is it better?

Reason number 2: Charts notes are always legible. This eliminates a multitude of problems stemming from misreading illegible, hand-written notes. Crucial mistakes can be avoided.

Reason number 3: The seamless integration with electronic refracting systems allows for instantaneous downloading of a highly accurate, reproducible refraction. Electronic refracting systems provide a quick, standardized, and straightforward approach to the mundane yet important task of determining a patient's eyeglass prescription. Eyeglass prescriptions can be printed directly to the optical shop. Furthermore, the capture rate of eyeglass sales invariably increases with this system.

Reason number 4: Most EMR programs can generate a referral letter from the exam data, which can then be custom edited in the exam room. These letters are then sent by mail, fax, or e-mail. This promotes prompt and effective communication between doctors. From a financial standpoint, these letters help reduce transcription costs.

Reason number 5: Most EMR programs today integrate with various testing equipment and utilize sophisticated drawing modules. Testing modalities-such as visual field testing, digital anterior and posterior segment photography, optic nerve imaging, fluorescein angiography, and corneal topography-can now be stored digitally and quickly retrieved. Instant, convenient access to these important ancillary studies correlates directly with superior care and better patient outcomes.

Reason number 6: EMR allow for expeditious review of critical patient data. For example, with one click of the mouse, all IOPs ever measured on a patient can be evaluated. This is very helpful when assessing the effectiveness of a treatment regimen in a glaucoma patient. Various methods of culling data can be set up to satisfy an individual doctor's needs.

Reason number 7: Medication prescriptions can be quickly transmitted to any pharmacy via wireless transmission or electronic fax. This saves the patient an inordinate amount of time since a medication prescription does not need to be physically dropped off at a pharmacy in order to be filled. Furthermore, some EMR programs have software that will determine if there is any contraindication in prescribing a specific medication. For example, a good software package will warn/prohibit the prescribing of a beta blocker to a patient who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor to a patient with a sulfa allergy. Sophisticated systems will also evaluate the cross-reactivity of medications to be prescribed with medications that are currently being taken.