Know the Pros and the Cons of EMR

Electronic Medical Records are some of the most useful technologies introduced to improve medical practices. Here are some of its advantages and disadvantages:


Before we discuss about the advantages and disadvantages of emr, let us know first what EMR is? An EMR or electronic medical records is a technology introduced in 1990s as a way to improve medical practices, such as improving pediatric practices with pediatric EMR, and to avoid the many adverse effects of using paper-based medical records.

Advantage over Paper-Based Records
One advantage of using EMR software compared to the use of paper-based record is that amount of cost-cutting used for storage spaces. Compared to EMR which normally uses digital storage, such as Hard Disk Drives, paper-based records usually requires a secured storage space where these records will be kept for 7 years, which is why one storage is not enough to store all these data.

However, what the developers are aiming for is to reduce the amount of death caused by poor legibility which is one of the main adverse effects of using paper-based records. Electronic records help with the standardization of forms, terminology and abbreviations, and data input.

EMR software has also continuously evolved over the years, and one of those evolutions is the introduction of module based EMR software in which each module specialize in one branch of medical practice, such as a pediatric emr which is used for pediatrician.

Disadvantages of EMR
There are, however, a number of disadvantages to the use of EMR. One is also because of the cost, in which these applications cost a lot compared to the use of paper and pen in paper-based records.

Although many EMR providers have stated that their technologies can significantly cut-costs of paper-based records, this would only apply to larger healthcare providers and institutions. Smaller hospitals or other healthcare institutions wouldn’t be able to make use of its cost-cutting advantage.

This, however, is now being resolved through continuous update which aims to minimize such risks of stolen medical records or any other hackable information.