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Essay / Electronic Health Record - 1280
After decades of paper-based medical records, a new type of record keeping has emerged: the electronic health record (EHR). EHR is a concept in electronic or digital format of an individual's past and present medical history. It is the primary location for storing data and information about health care services provided to an individual patient. It is maintained by a provider over time and can be shared between different healthcare establishments by information systems connected to the network. These records may include key administrative and clinical data relevant to individuals receiving care from a particular provider. Examples of such records may include: demographic data, doctor's notes, problems or injuries, medications and allergies, vital signs, medical history, vaccinations, laboratory data, radiology reports and billing information (www.cms.gov). The purpose of the EHR can be understood as a comprehensive record of patient encounters that automates access to information and has the potential to streamline clinician workflow in a healthcare setting. It also has the capacity to support other care-related activities, directly or indirectly through various interfaces, including evidence-based decision support, quality management and results reporting (www.cms. gov; “Electronic Health Records,” 2010).One of the primary goals of the EHR is to improve and strengthen the relationship between clinicians and their patients. It is also an attempt to reduce patient suffering due to medical errors and help healthcare workers make better decisions in providing quality care. Data collection can also avoid duplication of tests, delays in treatments and procedures, interactions between prescriptions, automate templates and/or forms, and improve clarity...... middle of article. .....p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_Level_7Confidentiality of medical records. (August 9, 2010). Retrieved August 10, 2010 from http://epic.org/privacy/medical/Tegan, Anne et al. “The impact of the EHR on HIM functions.” AHIMA Journal 76, No. 5 (May 2005): 56C-H. Sprague, Lisa. (September 29, 2004). Electronic health records; How far? How far to go? Retrieved August 10, 2010 from https://www.nhpf.org/library/issue-briefs/IB800_EHRs.pdfLeavitt, Mark. (September 25, 2008). The positive impacts of certification – bigger than anyone thought. Retrieved August 11, 2010 from http://ehrdecisions.com/2008/09/25/the-positive-impacts-of-certification-%E2%80%93-bigger-than-anyone-realized/Morton, Mary. (2010). EHR acceptance factors in ambulatory care; a survey of doctors’ perceptions. Retrieved August 11, 2010 from http://library.ahima.org/xpedio/groups/public/documents/ahima