Chapter 1
Understanding EHRs
In This Chapter
Understanding the scope of EHR
Taking stock of EHR benefits
Evaluating the business side of EHR use
Communicating with patients and colleagues
Protecting your patients
If you’re reading this book, you’ve already decided to at least consider taking the leap into the paperless world. That file room is looking mighty packed with paper, and you’re starting to envision it as a nice, new break room or perhaps an additional exam room. You’re keeping track of all the time it takes to pull charts, jot down or transcribe notes, and run back and forth from the fax machine. You think there has to be a better way to communicate with your patients and engage them in their care. You think it’s time for a change, a change that streamlines your workflow, improves the quality of care you can deliver to patients, and clears up both physical and mental space for everyone in the office. It’s time for the electronic health record; it’s time for your EHR.
In this chapter, we give you a big picture look at EHR systems so you know what you’re jumping into and walk you through the benefits you receive from one.
Recognizing the Worldwide Scope of EHR
To really “get” what EHR is all about, you first need to consider who uses an EHR and why, and what an EHR means to your practice. After all, you wouldn’t buy a new car unless you did a bit of background research, right? Well, maybe you would, but you might end up with a lemon. So, make this an all-lemonade, no-lemons ...
