HCR-240
HIPPA and Information Technology
Having a standardized database system for medical records provides many advantages for a medical practice. The quick retrieval of patient information can even prove to be lifesaving in an emergency situation. A patient who was admitted on an emergency basis to a hospital away from his regular doctor and the patient remained unable to tell the ER staff about their allergies or medications could face a life-threatening situation just from being unable to convey this information. If the family of the patient was not present, or did not know the allergies of the person. The ER doctor can retrieve this information immediately from an EMR. It can also provide patients with more information than they have had in the past about their own healthcare, making them a better partner in their health maintenance. HIPAA issues have to be taken into account when handling patient information in an EMR system. Access must be strictly secured so that only authorized personnel have access to it. Personnel will most likely have an access code to enter before being able to view patient information. This is something that is going to be a huge deal in keeping the patient information safe and out of the wrong hands.
The importance of medical information has yielded these advanced systems. By staying current on all medical systems databases as they are updated and brought into use, a facility can provide the best