The unique combination of Healthcare and Information Technology (IT) will prove to be a plus to our Healthcare System. This combination of IT and Healthcare will allow to collect health information of an individual or population electronically also known as Electronic Health Record (EHR). By mandating EHR, the US Government is trying improve quality and efficiency of healthcare via Healthcare Information Technology (HIT). Doctor's visit that used to vary from an hour to two hours or even more has just changed with the adoption of Electronic Heath Records (EHRs).
My recent visit to the doctor's office who has already adopted EHR system was unbelievably fast.
- First was the check-in process where they printed out my history from last year and the only thing that I had to do was to just verify the information from last year, make necessary changes and sign the paper. The check-in process that used to take about 15-30minutes where the patient had to fill out the paper work again beginning of the year, took me 5 minutes only.
- Secondly, a couple minutes later I was called as was escorted to the examine room where the nurse came with a laptop (no paper-chart) the very next minute. Questioning me, the nurse updated my medical record electronically by just check marking the boxes and typing additional comments for the doctor.
- Within the next 5 minutes the doctor arrived, who already had my latest information on her laptop.
- Once the doctor completed the visit, the nurse came with electronic prescriptions prescribed and signed by the doctor. The prescriptions and the appropriate dosages were typed legibly.
- Soon, was escorted to the check-out desk. In spite of the appointment being beginning of the year, the entire process from check-in to check-out was just 30 minutes long.
EHR is a great improvement to our healthcare industry. Soon, the US will have a healthcare system that will be much faster and reliable.
Jikal Patel
