Creating an Electronic Medical Record
When an individual goes to see a doctor for a specific condition or care, a medical record is constructed containing information such as personal and social history, a physical, notes made by the doctor, consultations, lab or image results from other health care providers and so forth.
Information is typed into a format such as an electronic medical record; paperless records that contain health care and medical information just as paper medical records, but take up much less space and are available in electronic formats, which make them accessible via Palm Pilots, Internet-based and secure data banks and in computerized networks that connect doctor's offices, hospitals and clinics.
Storing Data
Data is stored in computerized networks and data banks. Such data is typed into the computer by health information or medical records personnel and stored in any number of medical software systems accessed by health care providers around the globe. Electronic medical records software also enables doctors to dictate or type information into Tablet PCs or Pocket PCs that have been optimized for the medical field.
Notes and prescriptions on patient care and treatments inserted into a patient's electronic medical record enable physicians in other locations, states or countries to access such information for enhanced patient care and safety.
Accessing Information
Doctors then access medical data via information exchanges accessible to outpatient facilities, physicians and hospitals through a dedicated and secure network of providers in order to share information. The Department of Health and Human Services has been exploring ways to establish criteria for the development of e-health records and health information exchange platforms that maintain security and confidentiality for patients.
Patients are identified by codes or numbers assigned to patient profiles, as well as by name, Social Security number or identification protocols utilized by a variety of health care providers.
Web Browser Security
Health care providers can access a patient's database or electronic medical record by accessing health network exchanges on certain Web browsers after entering encrypted passwords and user ID codes into the system.
Most health information networks also offer secured socket layers and encryption programs that offer security and privacy in most scenarios, and some systems even require biometric identification by users, such as thumbprints or retinal scans.
Electronic medical records enable a constant and open yet secure and confidential flow of information between medical and health care providers that can cover and blend a variety of specialties and disciplines.
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