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Bookshelf ID: NBK551878 Contents < PrevNext > The healthcare industry has undergone many changes and one of the biggest shifts that many hospitals and healthcare professionals have seen is the implementation of electronic health records or electronic medical records. Gone are the days when critical patient charts and medical information were stored in paper files but now they are inputted in a digital version for convenient access and enhanced security and patient safety. But what makes digital records more secure than a paper-based record? Most electronic systems are equipped with high level encryption tools and additional security measures like password protection and restriction limits to prevent data tampering and inappropriate access. It also allows data backups to protect against worst case scenarios of information loss. What Are The Security Benefits Of Electronic Records?Both electronic health record and electronic medical record are similar in a sense that they are a digital version of a patient’s paper charts, medical files, and other important health records. They provide crucial information needed to make an accurate clinical decision and assure quality of care. Their only difference is that EHRs provide a more comprehensive outlook of an individual's health condition, medical care, and treatment plans. It also allows better care coordination since the information can be shared with other health care providers, specialists, and labs while EMRs tend to stay within the practice where they are created. However, medical professionals and healthcare organization can be assured that investing in EHR/EMR software systems is a smart move because of its plenty of security advantages over paper records. Here are some of the security benefits of digital records: 1. Password-protection and authorized accessWith paper medical files and manual personal health records, it’s easy for anyone to gain access to a medical document without being tracked. This greatly increases the risk of compromising or losing patient data. There’s also a possibility of human error where an employee may fail to return the patient file to storage which can lead to misplacing the document. Electronic records can allow you to limit the number of people who can view certain medical files and information. You can also activate password protection to avoid unauthorized access and allow only approved providers to view the medical data. With a secure password system in place, you can strengthen your medical record security to lessen the risk of medical identity theft. 2. Built-in data encryption toolsCybersecurity and data breaches are common concerns of any health organization when it comes to online EMR systems. But to minimize cyberthreats and security issues, many EMR providers have put strong privacy and encryption methods in place to protect against security breaches. Data encryption basically converts inputted data into hard-to-read text so that outside attackers will have no access to health information. There are also many EMR systems that are built on HIPAA-compliant servers and networks to ensure patient privacy, confidentiality and information security. 3. Internal audit trailsHealthcare providers who are still running on paper medical recording systems commonly face the challenge of data tampering or unauthorized release of files. When paper patient records are accidentally altered or copied, it’s hard to keep track of who did it due to lack of monitoring and control. With EMRs and online patient portals, you can review the activity history in your patient database to see who accessed the system, when they opened the files, and what changes they applied to the records. If any unintended changes were made, you can restore the previous version to redo the mistake. Audit trails can also help you identify any malicious software or activity that can lead to potential breaches or security risk for patients. 4. Data backups and storageUnlike paper patient records which could take time to make copies and backups, EMRs allow for automatic and daily backups to ensure security of health information in case of emergencies. EMR systems can either run on your practice’s local network or cloud servers which means that data is uploaded in secure external cloud programs. One appealing advantage of cloud servers is they provide convenient remote access. Common Problems With Keeping Paper RecordsBack in the day, primary care clinics and healthcare institutions and agencies thrived on the traditional method of manual paper records. But today, the advent of digital technologies has exposed the many ways that paper-based systems are vulnerable. Here are the usual risk factors with paper records that an EMR system can solve:
Ways You Can Keep Patient Records Secure With An EMRAs a primary care provider or aesthetic clinic, implementing electronic medical record systems is one of the best things you can do to ensure that your patients are well-protected. Here are additional tips to ensure that you get the maximum security from your EMR software program:
Secure Your Patient Records With Safe and Reliable Calysta EMRAdopting a digital format or electronic document of patient health files and information is the norm these days. Calysta is the all-in-one EMR solution that many healthcare professionals and aesthetic providers need to ensure quality of care and security of patients. With our latest technology and HIPAA-compliant security features, Calysta EMR is one of the safest and most secure EMR options in the market. We are constantly innovating our tools and platform to give patients and doctors the best healthcare and cosmetic experience. Contact us today and sign up for a free trial. Does EHR systems require more or less storage space?Less storage space is needed for EHR systems. An electronic health record system conceivably could hold all the patients seen over the life of a physician's practice. Files still must be purged annually when an EHR system is used. The EHR system can allow patients to set their own appointments using the Internet.
What are the advantages of an EMR?Securely sharing electronic information with patients and other clinicians. Helping providers more effectively diagnose patients, reduce medical errors, and provide safer care. Improving patient and provider interaction and communication, as well as health care convenience. Enabling safer, more reliable prescribing.
What are some of the disadvantages the EMR?Disadvantages of Electronic Medical Records
Storing sensitive patient data in the cloud—as many EMRs do—puts the data at risk of being hacked without sufficient layers of security. If a technical error occurs and your remote EMR software does not have the information backed up, all data may be lost.
What are some advantages and disadvantages of EMR?As such, here are some of the benefits they may be able to bring:. Convenience and Efficiency. ... . Fewer Storage Costs and Demands. ... . Easily Organized and Referenced. ... . Patient Access Simplified. ... . Improved Security. ... . Faster Order Initiation. ... . Cybersecurity Issues. ... . Frequent Updating Required.. |