The medical information age.

With the recent explosion in information and technology over the past twenty years come vast changes throughout every industry worldwide. The medical industry itself has not been exempt from the transition from paper forms of data, to computerized electronic forms. The revolution of converting huge amounts of records, x-rays, names and prescriptions is very time consuming but nevertheless, it must be done. The same thing is taking place in the music business with cd’s being phased out of the market to give rise to mp3’s. Even though it hasn’t happened overnight, it is still a necessary step in the progression of human needs. The difference with the medical field is human lives are what’s at stake opposed to human desires.

Controversy.

Many patients are choosing to be implanted with radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter inside of their body that stores their entire medical background. Some states have made it mandatory for aids and Alzheimer patients to get the implant for their own good. In the event of an emergency where a patient may be unable to respond to health care workers questions, the information regarding the patient may still be obtained. This controversial technique to store information has forced the entire medical structure to re-examine its own information storage and retrieval procedures. Are health care facilities equipped to handle the ever growing amount of patients in an accurate and timely manner? The answer is yes, however the medical field at large has been slow to adapt. The benefits far outweigh privacy issues that are often discussed surrounding electronic storage of medical records. All computer systems as well as communication methods may be vulnerable to attacks but it certainly doesn’t stop their increased use.

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

It is no secret that clinical physician assistants prefer electronic medical records over out-dated paper documents. The biggest complaint amongst them is being forced to serve as not only an assistant but a secretary as well. There is just too much administrative work to take care of!

Practitioners who use electronic forms of record keeping are able to almost instantly engage their patients covering vast amounts of data from the computer. Digging in file cabinets, verifying past treatments etc. are rendered obsolete by simply using inexpensive powerful software designed for medical professionals. The rampant prescription drug abuses are being eliminated with multifunction safeguards that allow doctors to know conclusively who they are dealing with at any given moment. Forgeries and similar crimes are easily detected and the decrease in illegal activities lowers overall health care insurance cost.

Conclusion.

Regardless of how any of us may feel about the rise of medical technology and information, it is here to stay. The quicker we learn to utilize it for our advantage the better off we will be.

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