Why Electronic Medical Records Just Got Better

Anyone who poked around their electronic medical record before April 5 knows these digital portals haven’t always provided enough health information to be meaningful. But thanks to a piece of legislation that’s part of the 21st Century Cures Act, patients have more access to their personal health information than ever.

Electronic Medical Records: What Changed

More Convenient

Regardless of the provider, patients now have free, immediate and complete access to their entire electronic medical record.

While patients always had the right to request their medical records, gaining access to these records could be a slow, complicated process. Electronic medical record portals, such as NKCH and Meritas Health’s myhealth, streamline the process by putting medical information at the patient’s fingertips.

More Insight

The electronic medical record was historically a tool for healthcare providers to privately document visit notes and share diagnosis theories with other providers. However, the new law, which now gives patients access to this same information, was created to help patients get more from their electronic medical record.

Researchers with OpenNotes, an initiative to make healthcare more open and transparent, also found patients who read notes in their EMR:

• Are better prepared for visits
• Feel more in control of their care
• Recall their care plan more accurately
• Take better care of themselves
• Take their medications as prescribed more frequently
• Have more successful conversations and stronger relationships with their doctor – or you could use healthcare provider

Understanding the Big Picture

In addition to accessing the newly added doctor notes and diagnostic results, patients can view:

• Current medication and allergies
• Immunization history
• Lab results
• Parts of their medical record (clinical documentation)
• Personal health summary
• Upcoming appointments

Together, this information gives patients an improved understanding of their medical conditions, treatment and overall health.

Get In Touch

More information provides patients with more power over their health journey. To learn more about these electronic medical record changes, speak with a healthcare provider.