What are some of the benefits of electronic health records for patients?

Earliest people known to maintain accurate health records

A long time ago, in ancient Egypt, doctors started writing down health information. They used special paper called papyrus to note down treatments and medical knowledge. Fast forward to today, doctors still keep records, but now they're digital! Instead of papyrus, they use Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Let's look at some important things about these digital records, and see why they're helpful, and sometimes tricky, too!

What are some of the benefits of electronic health records for patients?

Imagine every time you visit the doctor, they have a magic notebook that remembers your past check-ups, allergies, and treatments. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are like that magic notebook, but on a computer. They help doctors quickly see your medical history, meaning you get help faster.

• Faster Care: Doctors quickly understand what's wrong and how to help you best.

• Fewer Mistakes: Clear typing means fewer errors than messy handwriting.

• Better Sharing: New doctors or specialists can easily check your records to give you the right care.

Learn more at healthit.gov and cms.gov

How do electronic health records improve patient care?

EHRs help make your healthcare better in many ways:

• Keeping Things Organized: Most of your health details, but not all, are all in one place, helping doctors not miss important information.

• Reminders for Check-ups: EHRs remind doctors when you need vaccines or health screenings.

• Watching for Medicine Problems: EHRs alert doctors if a new medicine might not mix well with what you're already taking, helping keep you safe.

Disadvantages of electronic health records

But, like anything, EHRs have some downsides:

• Very imperfect: Especially in the U.S., EHRs are far from perfect because the system often doesn’t let you easily put all your information together.

• Privacy Worries: Just like you wouldn't want someone reading your diary, we need to make sure only the right people see your health records.​

• Learning Curve: Some doctors find it tricky to switch from paper to computers and might need time to get used to it.

• Tech Troubles: Computers can have glitches or break down, which can cause delays in care.​

Future of EHRs with SlothMD

At SlothMD, we're taking that ancient idea and giving it a modern twist. Imagine gathering all your health records, like your wearable gadgets, paper notes, and electronic files from doctors, and putting them all together into one super-smart, magical notebook you control. This way, you won't lose track of your important health info, whether it’s from yesterday or years ago!

Think of it as your personal health time machine, helping you take better care of yourself today by remembering everything. To keep you records continuously updated throughout your life, use SlothMD.

Do you know how long you should keep your medical records? Find out here or read our in-depth overview of healthcare record ownership in California and a bite-sized overview for the U.S.

External links to help you dig deep into the topic:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8902175/

2. https://www.healthit.gov/playbook/electronic-health-records/

3. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/electronic-medical-records.htm