MedicalMedical DatabaseDatabase

By: Emily MichelsBy: Emily Michels

Ben PruittBen Pruitt

November 27, 2006November 27, 2006

National Health CareNational Health Care

• National health care policies, including the price of health care, continue to be a huge part of our national agenda.

• One major topic of concern is whether or not we should institute a national computer database of all of our medical records

• In 2004, President George W. Bush set a national goal for most Americans to have an electronic health record within a decade, or by 2014.

• http://www.cms.hhs.gov/EHealthRecords/

• More and more physicians offices are implementing new systems which convert their old paper medical records to electronic form

• This shift from paper to electronic medical records has sparked a debate over the possible risks such as violation of personal privacy and discrimination versus the obvious benefits

• Shifting from paper to medical records will increase the efficiency and productivity of medical facilities, will enhance medical research, and will also save both patients and physician’s offices time and money

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What are Electronic Medical What are Electronic Medical Records??? (“EMRs”)Records??? (“EMRs”)

What are the benefits?What are the benefits?

• Increases efficiency• Increases productivity• Improved accuracy of

interpreting records• Excellent organization• Improved/effective billing• Significant savings on

space and facility costs• Convenience for patients

and physicians

TestimonialsTestimonials

• http://www.companiontechnologies.com/

• Robert Waterhouse, MD, Piedmont Urology

• Karen Radley, MD, Price Family Medicine

Where can you find electronic Where can you find electronic medical record programs?medical record programs?

Sources on the Web Sources on the Web

• Companion Technologieshttp://www.companiontechnologies.com/electronic_medical_records_emr/• Spring Charts Electronic Health Recordshttp://www.springmedical.com/• Electronic Medical Recordshttp://www.electronicmedicalrecordsguide.com

More sources…More sources…

• E-MDs.

http://www.e-mds.com

• Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise.

http://www.ihe.net/

ResearchResearch

Communication

&

Imagine…Imagine…

Quick QuestionsQuick Questions

•When was the last time you went When was the last time you went to any type of medical services?to any type of medical services?•Who was present at this time?Who was present at this time?•How much personal information How much personal information did you reveal during this time?did you reveal during this time?•How many people do you feel How many people do you feel have access to that information?have access to that information?•Safe?Safe?

Just Imagine….Just Imagine….

• Feeling a little under the weather.

• Doctor runs a routine check and gives the results to the nurse.

• The visit turned out to be not so bad with your sickness only needing an antibiotic, and you got to see the nurse who has been a friend of your family for years.

BUT WAIT…BUT WAIT…

Quick FactsQuick Facts

• In 2000, 91% oppose creating a national medical database and assigning medical identification numbers.

• As of 2005, 27% are willing to release their personal medical information to drug companies only.

• Also, 14% believe that their medical information has been released improperly by physicians.

• By estimation, one million people are living in the United States with HIV/AIDS…How many people do you believe are having trouble hiding it?