Technology in Medical Records Management

2007-05-02 10:04:19

( Pharmeceutical-Medical )



Medical records management is one of the most crucial things to consider in a hospital business. A single mistake from an electronic patient record can cost, make or break a life, literally and figuratively. Furthermore, the medical records storage need to be constantly updated and free from viruses or anything that can tamper its accurate reputation.

Computerized medical records have long been accepted as a form of medical records management. The electronic medical records are less bulky, far easier to manage and easy to access when plugged into a competent database exclusive to hospital staff. Electronic records have long replaced manual records which are often cluttered with erasures and other modifications especially in the course of long term treatment.

The main question amidst all these medical records management is this: Is a medical records coder needed or can I have my own staff do it for me? These two options are crucial in one's quest to make sure that the computerized medical records are updated and at its best shape for the hospital's use and benefit. But why choose when you can have both? Training one or two from your hospital staff to do the medical coding for you can be a powerful advantage. But you must be willing to adjust their working hours and give them higher compensation.

Most hospitals hire a separate medical coder for the job, but when you train someone from within the staff to do it, you are giving them an extra sideline and you are safeguarding your files more because you are handing it over to someone who can effectively understand the vitality of each medical record. Mere hospital experience is not enough. A good medical coder must be someone who can type quickly and accurately, nothwithstanding the high level of comprehension on medical terms and conditions that might be needed in electronic patient records.

Still, there are medical records coders out there who may be able to do the job well even without a formal medical background. It is, after all, an encoding job. But it is one encoding and managing job with a life literally attached to it.


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