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There are many advantages to a patient record being stored electronically in an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) versus a paper chart. The advantages listed below are considered the key reasons why a physician would move from a paper chart system to an EMR system.

Organization - Instead of being written down ad hoc in a paper chart, an EMR system allows for the organization of patient data electronically. This organization allows for all aspects of patient care to be systematized. For example, in stead of having to flip through a paper chart to find all the medications that a patient has been prescribed, with an EMR the information would be grouped in the prescription section of the virtual chart for easy physician review.

Security - All relevant medical information is attached to that particular patient record along with computerized times stamps that bring accountability to the chart system. It may be easy for a physician to go back and make a note to a paper file after the fact as if it was at that time of appointment, but it is impossible to claim to have inputted information at a different time when you are using an electronic system. Also, if data is deleted or changed, there is a stamp of who edited what information when. Thus, the EMR allows for an elevated level of security.

Accessibility - With a paper chart, only one person can be viewing the information in the chart at a time. Whereas with an EMR, multiple individuals are able to access a patient's virtual chart at the same time and the chart is accessible from outside the clinic via the Internet as well. This eliminates the need for physicians who attend clinics at more than one location to carry the paper charts with them. Also, as more physicians move to electronic medical records, this accessibility allows for greater patient safety. For example, an unconscious patient can be taken to hospital and the attending physician will be able to pull up their EMR and have access to all their allergies, existing medical conditions, and all other patient data that would be pertinent in an emergency situation.

© 2006, Optimed Software Inc.
www.optimedsoftware.com

EMR is an acronym for Electronic Medical Record. An EMR encompasses everything that a patient's paper chart would: medical history, medications, allergies, test results, documentation of each patient encounter, letters regarding patient treatment, and any relevant visual.

There are many advantages to storing a patient's data electronically. Please see The Advantages of an Electronic Medical Record article for more information about EMR systems.

© 2006, Optimed Software Inc.
www.optimedsoftware.com

After months of vigorous testing, Optimed Software Corporation is happy to announce that Version 3.1 of Accuro™ EMR is now available to all clients.

The changes found in 3.1 are based on feature requests from clients and also in continued compliance with Alberta's VCUR program.

Fifteen medical offices which use Accuro™ EMR volunteered to participate in the testing process. Using their feedback, Optimed's developers worked to strengthen any perceived deficiencies and optimize the software's ease of use.

Optimed chose to utilize a large number of 'beta' offices over a longer period of time in order to ensure a successful launch for all clients who are eagerly awaiting the new features and functionality found in Version 3.1.

Optimed's web accessible clinic management software, Accuro™, was physician designed to adapt to practice work flows and seamlessly integrate all components. Accuro™ EMR automates scheduling, communication, billing, and the use of electronic medical records to increase efficiency, security, and accuracy in order to elevate the quality of patient care while optimizing physician profitability.

© 2006, Optimed Software Inc.
www.optimedsoftware.com