Every year health care professional's examine, diagnose, and treat hundreds if not thousands of patients. Many of these patients don't stick with the same doctor, or are referred to a specialist by their doctor. Because of this constant rotation of patients, doctors must keep medical records to make and informed and accurate diagnosis for each individual. As technology advances this record-keeping process is becoming easier.

Traditionally, a patient's record was written or typed on paper and stored in a folder. When anything new happened another piece of paper with the medical information was dated and slipped into the folder. When a patient moved to a new facility this information was often faxed or copied and sent over. Keeping paper records does work quite well, but it can be a time-consuming and sometimes confusing process to keep all of the files organized and up-to-date.

Many doctors and hospitals are beginning to let technology assist them in keeping accurate records by turning to electronic medical records. An EMR allows a doctor or doctors assistant to quickly input updated information into the computer and store it in the file. If it needs to be sent to another facility it can be sent through the internet, or printed out and faxed or mailed.

The most important thing is that a record is being kept, but the world is changing and technology is rapidly advancing. Most industries are using this to their advantage, and the medical industry is no different. They recognize the potential and are beginning to harness the benefits.



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