Electronic Health Records – the Wait for Systems that Can “Talk” EHRs can make reviewing healthcare records, and coordinating care easier. The fact remains though, that the technology needs a major improvement.
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The main criticism leveled against electronic health records is that they don’t work perfectly. Any technology that proves cumbersome to use may meet with disapproval and dissatisfaction and that is the case with EHRs now. Many doctors across the United States have inhibitions against implementing digital records that are flawed. They find themselves in a tight spot now with the federal government warning that providers who don’t use electronic records will be penalized. The government has been giving out $30 billion in incentives to support doctors in installing and using electronic medical records with the objective to improve patient care. Digitization is expected to make reviewing healthcare records, coordinating care and sharing medical information easier and more efficient. The fact remains though, that the technology still needs a major improvement. Medical societies such as the AMA (American Medical Association) did notify the HHS about the wrong direction in which the certification program was heading, elaborating on the flaws of the current EHR systems. They highlighted the fact that many of the systems had a negative impact on efficiency and even posed safety issues for patients. The CMS assured that it would ease reporting burdens on physicians vide a proposed rule that was to be introduced this spring. However, this proposed regulation would not eliminate penalties.
Need for EHRs that Can Communicate with Each Other The important thing is to bring greater communication between diverse electronic record systems. For instance, when a patient is moved from one healthcare facility to another, it is not easy for his/her medical records to be transferred between the EHR systems of the two facilities just because these systems don’t “talk” to each other. Therefore until and unless that problem is resolved, sharing patient records will remain an impasse for doctors. Paper printouts and fax machines still remain necessary components in healthcare facilities. As per federal statistics, 78% of office-based physicians implemented and used electronic health records in 2013, an evident increase from 18% in 2001. Those who fail to implement the system will face cuts in Medicare reimbursements beginning with 1% this year. More than 257, 000 doctors are being notified that they are likely to incur that penalty. The hitches associated
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with EHRs such as usage/user errors, high cost, and conflicting computer systems are the major factors that deter physicians from using the system.
Government Move to Improve the Situation Realizing the lack of communication capability of the available systems, the government is taking measures to set some standards regarding sharing digital information and improving interoperability. As an incentive to providers, Medicare is starting to increase pay to hospitals and physicians who work together and penalize those who don’t. To ensure coordination among different doctors who may be treating a patient and thereby improve care, reliable EHR systems that feature interoperability are necessary. Even though electronic health records have issues that need to be addressed effectively, users acknowledge its benefits. It is important to understand that EHR systems that are installed need timely upgrading to function flawlessly. With providers, vendors and other entities involved realizing the need for interoperability of these systems; we can hope to see in the near future advanced and glitch-free electronic medical record systems that can deliver real value.
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