What are electronic health record systems?
An electronic health record system is a specialized computer system used by health care providers that captures and keeps patient information, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data, and radiology reports. The information then can be available to health care providers in a variety of settings (doctor’s offices, outpatient facilities, hospitals, etc.). Electronic health record systems would replace the current paper medical records as the primary source of patient information. Can electronic health record systems improve health care? By giving caregivers across the continuum access to their patients’ health information, research finds that electronic health record systems can facilitate workflow and improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of care. For example, a health care provider can review a patient’s history, medications, and test results to get a more complete picture of their health and avoid unnecessary, dupli
