Adoption of electronic medical records (EHR)

Some analysts have suggested that the adoption of electronic medical records (EHR) by hospitals could eventually reduce annual healthcare expenditures by one third or more. Others have been far less sanguine about such projections, arguing that adopting such information technologies may in fact increase costs. State if you agree or disagree with reasons.??

reply to two of your classmates’ responses by displaying agreement or disagreement on her/his response, or by providing additional clarification or additional reference…

1-The first answer from my classmates is (A competitive healthcare market has created a veritable technological arms race to the tune of nearly 20 billion dollars. Rapidly emerging technological solutions designed to improve hospital operational efficiency are already having a positive effect on hospital bottom lines. In a fast-changing market, technology can provide the key edge for early adopters by automating some of the biggest medical cost-drivers.

So, how can technology reduce healthcare costs?

Automate administrative tasks for more efficient use of physicians’ time .Digitizing repetitive tasks can significantly cut down on the number of hours physicians need to treat patients. Administrative expenditures account for more than a quarter of total hospital spending in the U.S., higher than any other first-world country. Doctors spend less than a third (27%) of their time treating patients; the majority of their time is spent on various administrative tasks. In fact, some doctors spend up to one-third of their timejust entering patient notes into electronic health records (EHRs).

Obviously, this is not an effective use of a physician’s time. It also contributes to the already massive issue of physician burnout.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and basic digital software can limit—even automate—physician interactions with EHRs. For example, instead of manually entering test results or filling out intake forms, software can import test results and complete the corresponding paperwork. It can also provide prescription advice and reminders, and help physicians avoid excessive testing.)

2- the second answer from my classmater is (I agree because HIT includes a variety of integrated data sources, including patient Electronic Medical Records, Decision Support Systems, and Computerized Physician Order Entry for medications. HIT systems provide timely access to patient information and (if standardized and networked) can communicate health information to other providers, patients, and insurers. Creating and maintaining such systems is complex. However, the benefits can include dramatic efficiency savings, greatly increased safety, and health benefits.

EFFICIENCY SAVINGS THE POTENTIAL EFFICIENCY SAVINGS FOR BOTH INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT CARE AND THE LARGEST SAVINGS COME FROM REDUCED HOSPITAL STAYS (A RESULT OF INCREASED SAFETY AND BETTER SCHEDULING AND COORDINATION), REDUCED NURSES’ ADMINISTRATIVE TIME, AND MORE EFFICIENT DRUG UTILIZATION.
INCREASED SAFETY MOST OF THE SAVINGS WOULD BE GENERATED BY HOSPITALS WITH MORE THAN 100 BEDS. PATIENTS AGE 65 OR OLDER WOULD ACCOUNT FOR THE MAJORITY OF AVOIDED ADVERSE DRUG EVENTS. ALSO, HIT HELPS WITH PREVENTION BY SCANNING PATIENT RECORDS FOR RISK FACTORS AND BY RECOMMENDING APPROPRIATE PREVENTIVE SERVICES, SUCH AS VACCINATIONS AND SCREENINGS. FINALLY, THE HIT SYSTEM CAN HELP IDENTIFY PATIENTS IN NEED OF TESTS OR OTHER SERVICES, AND IT CAN ENSURE THE CONSISTENT RECORDING OF RESULTS. PATIENTS USING REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEMS COULD TRANSMIT THEIR VITAL SIGNS DIRECTLY FROM THEIR HOMES TO THEIR PROVIDERS, ALLOWING A QUICK RESPONSE TO POTENTIAL PROBLEMS. EFFECTIVE DISEASE MANAGEMENT CAN REDUCE THE NEED FOR HOSPITALIZATION, THEREBY BOTH IMPROVING HEALTH AND REDUCING COSTS)