“The sooner physicians start using an EHR, the sooner they and their patients will realize its benefits – the ability to share patient data with colleagues and patients, the ability to retrieve old data effortlessly, the ability to access patient records remotely, so they answer patient questions intelligently from home, or even from a medical meeting." - David Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.P., National Coordinator for Health IT
What is EHR?
The Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a longitudinal electronic record of patient health information generated by one or more encounters in any care delivery setting. Included in this information are patient demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data and radiology reports. The EHR automates and streamlines the clinician's workflow. The EHR has the ability to generate a complete record of a clinical patient encounter - as well as supporting other care-related activities directly or indirectly via interface - including evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting.
Healthcare Information and Management Systems >
How does EHR relate to health care reform?
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contains provisions affecting healthcare in general and physician practices in particular. In an effort to increase the adoption rate of EHRs in physician practices, the legislation includes financial incentives for eligible physicians that use qualified EHR.
Medical Group Management Association >
