In the past, a busy medical practice meant having hundreds of files on hand with dozens of pages in each file. This could easily lead to lost paperwork or a mix-up in files. Modern technology has helped tame the paperwork in medical offices with medical practice software systems. These systems help make easier to find patient records quickly, meet regulatory demands and allow doctors to access records from any computer.
How Medical Software Helps Patients
There are several advantages to using medical practice software, not only for the medical office, but for the patient as well. Electronic Health Records, EHRs, help provide the patient with:
1. Better Privacy Protection
2. Faster Diagnosis and Treatment
3. Paperless Prescriptions
4. Patient Access
Better Privacy Protection
With an emphasis on privacy for consumers, including patients, using a medical practice software helps ensure that only authorized personnel have access to patient records. There is no longer a concern that paper files are lying around where someone unauthorized can possibly read a patient’s personal information. Office computer systems can be password protected so only those working in the office have access to patient medical information.
Faster Diagnosis and Treatment
Medical practice software allows patient records to be sent to hospitals or other doctors electronically. If a patient has to go to the hospital, by being able to have quick access to their information, hospitals can avoid drug interactions and become aware of the patient’s allergies. In addition, by getting the patient’s information quickly, the doctors can make a faster, more accurate diagnosis and provide them with the proper treatment.
Paperless Prescriptions
By using an EHR system, the doctor no longer has to issue paper prescriptions that patients can easily loose. The patient’s prescription is sent electronically to their preferred pharmacy and they will receive it in just a few moments. In many cases, patients are notified that their prescription is ready to pick-up before they get home.
Patient Access
Many medical offices provide patient’s with an online portal in which the patient can access their medical information. They can view which medications are prescribed to them, their lab results, and they may be able to schedule appointments and send messages to a doctor or nurse. A patient portal will mean fewer calls to the office, freeing up office personnel to do other work.
When a doctor’s office uses medical practice software, there are many benefits for both the office and their patients. Using the software means that fewer people have access to patient records, which protects a patient’s personal information. The software also allows patient information to be sent to hospital or another doctor quickly so they can receive the proper treatment. Using medical practice software also reduces the paperwork in the office, allowing for better tracking of charts and a patient’s medical information.
