Computerized Medical Records

If the thought of computerized medical records gives you shivers, there's just one thing to do. Get over it. Really. We're lucky for computerized medical records!

It might sound harsh, but whether you like it or not, computerized medical records are here, and pretty soon all of our records will be digital, and file cabinets of handwritten notes in dusty back rooms will be a thing of the past. Don't worry, though, because this is actually a good thing.

When your records are in digital mode, there is less chance of them getting misplaced. When you check in, your receptionist can call up those parts of your record she is allowed access to, and all the information will be at her command. Later, in the exam room, the doctor will have a terminal from which he can call up all of your records in an instant. And he'll be well informed to make better decisions about your health and appropriate treatment options. In real time, right there in the room, he'll add his notes to your file, and they will be accessible to all personnel authorized to view them and participate in your care.

Here's another great thing. Remember how difficult it is to read your physician's handwriting on his prescriptions? You really have to trust that your pharmacist is part code breaker as well as expert in all things drug related. In this evolving digital age, handwritten prescriptions as well as charts will also be a thing of the past. All instructions and notes will be typed. This will dramatically reduce errors that occur due to illegible instructions written in a rush.

Notice how I've mentioned the concept of authorization. Some fear a Big Brother type phenomenon, but technology is at a point where encryption safeguards make it so extremely difficult to break into records that most nefarious people look to easier targets for their marks. Your handwritten records are far more vulnerable than computerized ones.

Another huge benefit to computerized medical records is that experts can view them long-distance. If you live in Merced, California, for example, but your doctor needs to consult with a specialist in San Francisco, the specialist can call up your digitalized records and provide a perspective within minutes, which can save lives. This applies to intensive care units too. Rather than have doctors on call through the night who have to physically come in to the hospital if a problem develops that those on site cannot handle, a central center for a particular hospital system can be staffed 24/7, and those in the center can actually monitor patients using video technology, view their records on computer, and give instructions to personnel on site via phone and e-mail. Pretty amazing, and definitely not something to fear.