What's Up, Doc? Your Electronic Medical Records Are Secure—and Help Doctors Do Their Jobs

Though the Healthcare Reform Bill remains unclear to most, changes including mandates for electronic medical health records are streamlining medical information for doctors and patients.

Dr. Peter Cladis, a physician at , responds to some of the most frequently asked questions about Electronic Medical Health Records (EMRs).

What is an EMR?

An EMR is a computerized medical record keeping system for patient charts. Prior to Electronic Medical Records, all files were written as hard copies. Now, a patient’s medical information can be stored digitally and accessed more easily.

When did the shift to Electronic Medical Records begin?

The shift began about 10 years ago and the recent passage of the Healthcare Reform Bill has mandated that all practices have EMR by 2014.

Why was the shift made?

• More efficient record keeping
• More legible medical records
• More rapid sharing of information with medical providers
• More accurate records

Will there be a paper trail for files after the shift is complete?

NO. Patient files will only exist electronically. Once a patient’s file has been saved electronically, the paper file will be permanently destroyed.

How is patient confidentiality maintained?

• The only people that have access to a patient’s files are his/her medical providers as a result of highly selective security codes
• Only those with special access codes can access a patient’s information
• However, as with any web-based information, there is a minimal potential that fraudulent activity could occur

Can patients access their own medical records online?

YES! Within the next year or two, there is a mandate in place so that patients can access their own medical records via computer. They will not be able to alter their records in any way, however.

Will all of the medical records be within one system or are there separate record systems for different hospitals and medical offices?

• There are separate systems, but the goal is that all systems can have an interface and be linked electronically so that patient’s medical records can be accessed throughout the world if a patient is traveling outside of his/her primary care area.
• An individual, family member, or other designated person would have to grant permission for files to be accessed outside of primary care area though

What will Electronic Medical Health Records do for the Future of Medicine?

• EMRs will definitely improve medical care
• There will be less duplication of tests due to improved sharing of information
• More effective and accurate prescriptions
• More rapid and accurate sharing of information among providers
• Overall, better patient care

“I love Electronic Medical Records,” Cladis said. “It has not decreased my work load, and never will, but Electronic Medical Records make you a better doctor because all patient information is centralized in one place. The information is much easier to access by doctors and because of improved informational exchange, patients can receive the absolute best care possible.”

If you have any questions about EMRs, feel free to talk to your healthcare provider or submit a follow-up question to this article.

Editor's note: The "What's Up Doc" column is written by Andrea Cladis, the daughter of Dr. Peter Cladis.