Electronic Health Records

Table of Content

Introduction3

Electronic Health Records3

HL7 Health Record System Function Model4

Certification5

Organizations providing certifications6

Certification Commission for Health Information Technology6

List of Certifiable Bodies6

Conclusion7

Electronic Health Records

Introduction

Medicine is a field where even the slightest margin for error does not exist, as the result of a mishap could be the loss of a human life. Health care organizations are reminded of this fact everyday hence they are always trying to come up with ways to maximize accuracy. The most important criterion is the accuracy of information, if there is even a minor gap between the physician's prescription and the pharmacy, the patient could suffer from intake of wrong medication. Judging the importance of patient welfare which will in turn lead to a successful healthcare set up, organizations are looking to adopt an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system. Seeing as we are in the twenty first century it only seems appropriate not just to use technology in medical practice, but to make it a core element. However to reach the optimal level of efficiency by using the EHR system few standards have to be met and certified for this change to become effective.

Electronic Health Records

EHR systems are a significant part of effective transfer of healthcare services. There are two main things that an EHR must have for it to bring about positive change to the healthcare system. The data should be available to the physicians and the staff, so that the patient's current and previous medical records can be accessed to better assess the situation. The data should have to be fed once and then be there for reference by all concerned personnel.

HL7 Health Record System Function Model

HL7 is a function model that is international and plans the functions and features that the EHR system should have. Through function profiles it explains how these functions work in the healthcare system. In HL7 various profiles are created catering to different areas in healthcare such as childcare, emergency etc. The function model develops and promotes better understanding of the EHR system and its functions to ensure its use to be secure and reliable. It provides the basis to not only achieve the existing requirement but work towards achieving the next level of standards. It is basically used as a guide for people either operating the EHR or adopting it.

For a system that sounds like the need of today, EHR brings its own set or pros and cons.

What's the issue?

All parties treating patients that are doctors at hospitals, clinicians etc. can be given additional government expenditure if they can adopt the HER and make significant progress and breakthroughs with it. However in order for it to work and organization must follow certain strict technical standards and have them certified to prove that they have been met as per requirement. These standards are set to ensure that patient welfare is made priority.

Standards:

In year 2010 the United States department of Human Health and Services (HHS) confirmed its first set of laws. When talking about standards in an electronic system ...