The Value of Electronic Health Records

This chapter has reviewed the basic functionality of EHRs in healthcare delivery. The core features provide value in a variety of ways. They may impact the quality of patient care services rendered and the incidence of an adverse events relating to patient safety. These clinical effects are complemented by evidence suggesting EHRs provide value in both the financial and organizational dimension. Financial value of EHRs is largely determined by improvement in utilization of medications and of expensive diagnostic and therapeutic tests and procedures. Other dimensions of financial value include improved financial management of healthcare claims related to better charge capture, and decision support for administrative issues in the HER, such as appropriate coding. Lastly, electronic health records are the foundation for a national healthcare information infrastructure which will undoubtedly have beneficial clinical and financial effects.

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