“Why We Chose EMR”

"Most of my patients are totally unaware that the Federal Government has mandated that doctors and hospitals have Electronic Medical Records (EMR),” explained Dr. Hulon Crayton of The Arthritis and Infusion Center (AIC). “In fact, if medical practices do not comply by the year 2014, they will be penalized.

“Quite frankly, although it has greatly altered everything I do on a daily basis within the office, because I’ve had to learn a new way of doing things, I must say that my entire staff has acclimated quickly – and our patients like the efficiency of the process. We compile all prescriptions and tests ordered, as well as including test results and my personal notes regarding each specific patient,” said Dr. Crayton.

EMR systems are designed to keep a record of a person’s entire health and medical history in a computerized, electronic format. The initiative is not a new one. In fact, according to an article in US News and World Report, the Institute of Medicine began the process of encouraging such record keeping almost 20 years ago. The Institute maintained that EMRs “would make healthcare better, safer, and more efficient, if every person’s complete medical history was stored on computers linked across the country. Clinicians anywhere could then view every patient’s every blood test, hospital stay, and X-ray.”

According to Jon White, director of health information technology for the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – “Electronic records help your doctor capture and manage your health information,” – which, in turn, should help deliver better care with better outcomes.

As usual, The Arthritis and Infusion Center is “ahead of the curve” in initiating this important digital process in maintaining patient records. “It is extremely important to me to be ‘connected’ to my patients, not only electronically, but also as a caring and compassionate physician, who really listens to their concerns. When my patients tell me they hurt, I believe them,” said Dr. Crayton. “I always tell them: Pain is not normal and we can help.

“I also encourage my patients to compile an electronic PHR – Personal Health Record – which they can bring into the office to make certain that whatever care they have received from other sources is accurately maintained within their AIC file.”