In a world that is rapidly adopting digital technology, the healthcare industry is no exception. One of the most significant changes has been the transition from paper records to electronic health records (EHR).  

Many physicians and healthcare organizations are increasingly turning to advanced tools like EHR systems to help them keep track of a patient’s progress throughout treatment. Why? Practices are realizing that the paper-based method of organizing medical health records is inefficient and not sustainable in a tech-driven world.  

This article reveals why practices are making the switch to digital solutions and seven reasons why EHR is better than paper records. 

1. Boosts Cost Savings 

While the initial investment in EHR systems can be expensive compared to paper records, the long-term cost savings are significant. According to Healthit.gov, medical practices can reap financial benefits from EHRs in many ways, including: 

• Reducing medical errors and duplicate testing. This advantage translates to lower malpractice claims and corrective treatment costs. For example, some EHRs provide easy access to lab results, reducing duplicate testing issues. 
• Decreasing chart pulls, re-filling, and storage costs. Digital records eliminate the need for physical storage space required for paper records. 
• Lowering transcription and administrative costs. With tools such as speech-to-text, EHR software can help reduce transcription costs. Salary.com estimates the average Medical Receptionist salary in the US is $39,942. If an EHR is robust enough, it may be able to automate a lot of administrative work, cutting down on labor expenses. 

Another EHR cost savings benefit is that it improves the speed and accuracy of the billing and coding process. This automation gets a practice paid faster and with fewer issues. Cloud-based EHR platforms like DrChrono include an integrated payments feature that makes requesting and collecting medical payments from any location or device easy.  

2. Streamlines Practice Management 

The paper charting method includes accumulating files, consents, claims, images, and information about a patient’s health. Manually keeping data organized and medical records updated can pose a real challenge.  

An intuitive EHR is better than paper records because it offers quick access to patient information, making it easy to update and add critical information. This automated technology saves valuable time that healthcare providers would otherwise spend searching through paper files. 

EHR reporting tools also enable seamless integration between practice operations, from the patient intake process, collecting lab results, and managing claims to billing and RCM. For example, the CollaborateMD practice management EHR software eliminates paper processes with online intake forms for secure and HIPAA-compliant patient healthcare documentation.  

3. Advances Coordination of Care 

EHRs facilitate seamless coordination among multiple healthcare providers, ensuring everyone involved in a patient’s care can access the same information. Below are some key benefits of electronic health records in care coordination: 

• Interoperability: EHRs can be shared across different healthcare settings, improving continuity of care. 
• Improves communication: Electronic health records enhance communication between primary care providers, specialists, and patients, ensuring a cohesive treatment plan. 
• Increases workflow: EHRs reduce the time required to pull charts, improving access to comprehensive patient data. 

4. Increases Communication 

One of the critical features of an electronic health record system is the ability to increase patient engagement. An EHR can be configured to send appointment reminders to patients electronically, reducing mailing costs. Reminders also significantly lower no-show rates and optimize the scheduling of follow-up appointments.  

For instance, DrChrono offers tools such as automatic appointment reminders, which the staff can schedule to send to get in touch with patients. Patients can then confirm via phone or email, automatically updating their appointment into the EHR app or desktop.  

Some communication platforms that can be integrated with EHRs like Updox offer a Patient Portal where patients can easily access medical records and clinical summaries, pay bills, or reach out with concerns. This level of organization leads to better patient flow, reduced paperwork, and increased time for patient care. 

5. Promotes Quality of Care 

Some paper-based practices battle with issues such as illegible handwriting in prescriptions and doctors’ notes. Others find communication challenges with health organizations when gathering patient history or requesting diagnostic images.  

EHRs improve these issues by equipping providers with complete and accurate patient data, including:  

• Comprehensive patient history: EHRs deliver an entire medical history immediately, allowing for more informed decision-making. The Kaiser Family Foundation found that 45% of patients reported increased quality of care after adopting an EHR. 
• Clinical decision support: EHR software often includes tools that alert providers to potential issues such as drug interactions or allergies. 
• Preventative care assistance: Electronic health records can identify and notify patients due for critical screenings. 
• Patient safety: Reduced errors in medication prescriptions and dosages due to automated checks and balances in the system. 

For example, DrChrono has a feature called eRx. This HIPAA-compliant tool lets providers securely send prescriptions to their patient’s preferred pharmacy straight from the EHR. Practices can send prescriptions and check for drug interactions before prescribing from their iPhones, iPads, or computers.  

6. Protects Critical Data  

The biggest challenge of paper medical records? They pose major security risks. Anyone can access them, creating the possibility of fraud or identity theft. They also offer no backup, so a practice will never be able to retrieve their paper-based records in an emergency, such as fire or water damage.  

Luckily, according to HHS.gov., EHRs offer enhanced security features compared to paper records, such as: 

• Encryption: Advanced encryption techniques protect patient data from unauthorized access. 
• Access controls: Only authorized personnel can access electronic health records, maintaining patient privacy. 
• Audit trails: Audit trails record who accessed the data, when, and what changes were made, ensuring accountability. 
• Backup: EHRs are stored on secure servers or are cloud-based. This way, data can be easily replicated and backed up in emergencies.  
• Tracking: Track changes and time stamps help secure patient data and eliminate security breaches. 

7. Improves Compliance  

EHR software keep providers compliant in ways that paper-based practices can’t match: 

• Protects patients’ health information (PHI) and meets interoperability standards. CollaborateMD is one example of EHR-integrated software that offers the highest security standards for exchanging or transferring data. 
• Improves data security and encryption. 
• Meets meaningful use (MU) requirement. For example, DrChrono’s offers a MIPS Assist program that helps avoid negative payment penalties.  

Final Thoughts 

Electronic health records offer numerous benefits that enhance medical practice’s efficiency, quality, and coordination. For practice managers and physicians, adopting EHR software is a forward-thinking move that promises better patient outcomes, reduced costs, and improved data security.  

If you haven’t yet made the switch, now is the time to explore the possibilities EHRs can bring to your practice.