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Jessica Snell
Aug 22, 2022Aug 22 at 9:37pm
As I am 53 years old, I can easily remember the days before computers were used in the medical office setting. Everyone had a paper chart in a manila folder, with their name on the tab, stored in rows of filing cabinets. The doctor would use a pen or pencil to write down detailed information. Back in those days, doctors had a reputation for having terrible handwriting.

This brings me to one of several advantages that computers contribute to medical office information: It is easy to read exactly what is written. Also, information is presented in a uniform way that is usually quicker to access. Furthermore, it is easier to share information with other practices and hospitals. Not to mention that the use of paper and space are kept to a minimum.

However, there are also negative aspects to electronic health records. According to Gretchen Segado of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “In the old days you could see the handwriting, so you knew who did what very easily. [With some less sophisticated EHRS] trying to determine who did which part of the service can be a little more challenging.” (Eramo, 2012, 31). Another negative aspect of not writing notes by hand is that you may be locked into only a few answers from which to choose. This detracts from the ability to individualize patient’s unique situations and to add extra pertinent information. Lastly, these computer systems may be prone to technically difficulties that require a pause in administrative functions and tech support assistance.

Due to my age, I can personally compare life before and after computers. From a medical office standpoint, I believe that (as long as the electronic systems are running smoothly) the pros outweigh the cons.

Reference

Eramo, Lisa A. (2012) Anatomy of a Physician Coder: Small, medium and large physician practices all feature these multi-tasking, multi-responsibility coders. Journal of AHMA83(11), 28-32.

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