Currently, about 8% of the nation’s hospitals use electronic medical records management and 17% of physicians Although growth has been slow due to the high initial cost, trends are shifting to computer based medical records management systems. The number of users is increasing, because it has been proven that having an electronic medical records system in place improves patient care. Transitioning to electronic medical records can be done cost effectively by minimizing the high initial investment.
When transitioning to an electronic medical records management system cost effectively, it is suggested that a medical facility divide their on site records. There should be two groups: patients who need to be seen with follow up appointments within the next six to twelve months, and discharged patients who will not require follow up appointments. Since it is estimated that the cost to covert to a digital image is $15.00 to $20.00 per patient chart, the most cost effective transition plan is to convert the group that will be seen in the next six to twelve months to electronic files.
The discharged patients’ files that will not be seen again should be stored. A box of patient charts can be stored at an approximate cost of $3.00 per year vs the cost to convert an individual patient chart to image of $15.00 to $20.00. These less active patient charts should be converted to image more selectively, upon demand. When they are being converted to image, the chart should be reviewed and be discriminatingly converted in case some of the information is not necessary. These medical records management solutions will ease the investment, and allow for a well-organized transition to the use of digital records.
There are many records Management Company available today with experienced with the unique challenges of medical records management. They are familiar with the confidentiality and compliance rules for medical records, and can enhance the productivity and cost efficiency for a hospital or medical practice.
Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor at www.retrievex.com. Retrievex.com is an experienced vendor offering medical records management solutions. “A Cost Effective Transition Plan to the Electronic Medical Record – Medical Records Managementfs Solutions” suggests dividing records and selectively converting to image to save money.
