Information technology heralded the introduction of electronic patient records in healthcare management. It was observed that nearly 25% of the doctors in the United States made use of this form of record maintenance by 2005. The target for 2014, as laid out by the President is to ensure that every American has an electronic medical record.
Presently, a government healthcare IT certification group has given the green signal for 18 software products which will enable many doctors to begin recording patient records electronically.The benefits of Electronic Medical records are well known. But, the crucial factor to its advantage is the obvious reduction in medical errors and the tangible cost savings, outcome of avoiding duplicate medical tests.
Though there is widespread support for a whole scale revamp of medical records to make them electronic, there is still debate about the financial implications of such an endeavor and on whom it will eventually rest. Patient privacy is another cause for concern that figures on top of the critics’ agenda.
