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Empower Your Practice with Office Ally’s Patient Record Management Tools

UPDATED:
August 23, 2023
Empower Your Practice Main

So many healthcare technology tools are available today that it's hard to know which to choose for your business. When looking for a patient record management system, check out Office Ally’s EHR 24/7. It's an excellent fit for nearly any medical practice.

What is Patient Record Management?

Patient record management is a software system that allows providers to chart and manage patient accounts. A good option will also allow you to order lab tests, e-prescribe, and oversee patient data management from one simple tool.

Why is Patient Record Management Important?

Patient medical records have gone digital. Your practice needs software to safely and securely manage these digital records. There are several reasons that patient records management is essential:

  • Properly managed records help you provide better care. They give you greater access to patient history and other data to make better-informed care decisions. 
  • Good records management prevents errors in diagnosis and treatment. It allows you to see potential contraindications at a glance.
  • There are regulations that govern the management of patient data. The best way to meet these standards is through proper management.  

The Impact of Technology on Healthcare Data Management

Technology has dramatically impacted how healthcare works. Healthcare data management has never been easier or more secure than it is today. 

Advancements in Health Informatics and Health Information Technology

Health information technology (HIT) is a rapidly evolving field. It has changed how doctors and other healthcare professionals manage their daily work. Electronic records have replaced paper forms. Called-in or paper prescriptions are now e-prescriptions. Lab work is now ordered digitally, and the results are received electronically. We’re even seeing patients digitally through telemedicine.

Many favor these advancements because they allow doctors to practice more efficiently and effectively. They're also more secure and more cost-effective than older methods.

Use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Data Analysis

We're seeing AI and machine learning play a huge role in healthcare today and are likely to become more vital in the future. Computers can help suggest diagnoses and treatments to doctors. They can catch potential drug interactions before prescriptions are ordered. AI can even interact with patients online to answer simple non-medical questions. Technology is also helpful in risk assessment and predictive analytics. It can even help custom-tailor personalized treatment plans for patients.

Integration of Medical Devices and Wearables with EHR Systems

Medical devices and wearables offer healthcare providers greater access to a patient’s health. Now, physicians can track a patient’s blood pressure, glucose levels, and more as they go about their daily routines. As these devices integrate with EHR systems, they become part of the patient's medical records. This integration provides a more complete view of a patient’s healthcare needs.

Benefits of Electronic Health Records

How can EHR 24/7 benefit your medical practice? Several advantages are common to most practices that use our solutions, and more you may discover as you use the system.

Improved Patient Care and Safety

First and foremost, you’re in the business of caring for people in their most vulnerable state. Any tool that improves patient care is worthwhile for your practice to explore.

When you implement EHR 24/7 in your practice, you’ll find the tool makes comprehensive patient charting a breeze. It also allows you easy access to a patient’s medical records so you can have all the information you need at your fingertips.

Our system offers custom clinical workflows to help your day move smoothly and your staff become more productive. We make ordering and receiving more efficient and help you securely communicate with your patients. All of this frees your time so you can focus on your most important concern — your patients.

Better Accessibility and Organization of Patient Information

The days of paper medical records are gone, and most providers are thankful for the advancement into the digital age. With EHR 24/7, you’ll never have to search for misfiled or misplaced records. Instead, you’ll have access to all the records concerning a given patient with a simple search. This means you can see prior lab results, prescriptions, and staff notes all in the same easy-to-use interface. You’ll never have to waste time trying to decode handwritten notes.

Enhanced Collaboration Among Healthcare Providers

In our medical care system, it’s not uncommon for a single patient to see half a dozen doctors regularly. With patient care spread across so many facilities, healthcare provider collaboration is vital. EHR 24/7 gives you the tools you need to communicate securely and efficiently with your patient’s entire team. You can provide comprehensive care without duplicating the efforts of their other providers. 

Increased Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

Efficiency is the name of the game in healthcare today, and your practice needs to work like a well-oiled machine to stay ahead. Our patient record management tools combined with Practice Mate practice management and our various billing tools can boost efficiency across the board. You’ll also get paid faster and see fewer medical billing errors and better revenue optimization

Best Practices for Data Management

As medical practices become more and more reliant on digital tools, data management becomes a top concern. As a medical practice, you need to partner with software vendors that understand the need for security and privacy in the medical space. Here are a few best practices for ensuring that your data management is efficient and secure yet accessible to your staff and your patients. 

Proper Documentation and Record Keeping

As a medical practice, you’ve probably seen that documentation and record-keeping are essential. Not only do thorough records allow you to provide superior care, but they also allow you to get paid faster. Seek out software that allows you to take notes easily and store all documentation in an easily accessible way. 

Ensuring Patient Privacy and Security of Data

Patient records and private health information must be kept safe. Not only is this required by federal mandates like HIPAA, but it’s vital to patient trust. You must train staff to secure patient information and use secure software solutions for all parts of your practice. 

Regular Data Backups and Disaster Recovery Plans

Let's face it, disasters happen. They may be natural disasters like hurricanes or flooding or man-made ones like a building fire or computer system crash. Such disasters can drastically impact your patient records if you're not prepared. Choose a software solution that includes regular backups and redundancies for patient data. 

Training and Education for Healthcare Professionals

Finally, even the best software solutions are worthless if your staff doesn’t understand how to use them. You need to find a software vendor that offers not only a user-friendly interface but also adequate training for your staff. Look for options that include training, self-service support, and the ability to contact a real person for help when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions on Patient Record Management

What is Patient Record Management?

Patient record management is how digital records are created, stored, and maintained within a medical practice. This frequently includes both doctor-facing interfaces and patient-facing apps. 

How Do Electronic Health Records Work?

EHRs are the digital equivalent of paper medical records. Doctors record notes and other patient data within a software system. The system also pulls in outside medical records such as lab results, prescriptions, and notes from outside healthcare clinics. This data is integrated and stored digitally, where both healthcare providers and patients can easily access it.

What Are the Benefits of Electronic Health Records?

EHRs are far more accessible and efficient than older paper records. Both doctors and patients can see their records at a glance. Practices become more efficient, and patients can be better informed about their own health. 

How Do Healthcare Professionals Ensure Patient Data Privacy?

Healthcare practices are required by law to protect patient privacy and secure their records. They must train staff to protect patient data and use secure, encrypted systems to manage private patient information. 

What Is the Role of Technology in Healthcare Data Management?

Today, technology is used to collect, store, analyze, and share patient health data. Digitized medical records make patient data more accessible to both medical professionals and patients. They offer a more complete picture of a given person's health journey than was previously possible in most cases.