Why it is Important to Have Copies of Your Medical Records

In today’s digital age technology continues to move forward at a rapid pace, oftentimes changing the ways that we do things. The medical record industry has not been immune to the changes brought on by technology as the way records are stored now is vastly different than the way they used to be. In the past, all of your important medical records were hard copy paper charts that were stored by your doctors at either their facilities or in off-site warehouses. But in recent years the entire system has changed to keep up with the digital age.

What is EMR?

Currently, many of your old, paper based records are being scanned into Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems so that they can be accessed and stored more easily. EMR systems eliminate the need for the paper records, which can be costly to store, and also offer a greater level of security than traditional paper records. EMR means that your records are stored and backed up in a secure database as opposed to paper records that are very susceptible to physical damage or loss. As more and more records get scanned into EMR systems by your doctors it is wise that you gain access to your electronic records today.

Why do I Need Access to my EMR?

Now that many medical records are being transferred over from paper to electronic records it makes a lot of sense to gain access to your EMR. There are countless reasons why having access to your EMR is valuable and you should take a moment to consider these. One of the main reasons why it is crucial to have access to your EMR is the fact that many doctors are now shredding your old, paper records. And not only are they shredding them, but they do not even have to tell you when they do so. If you don’t make sure that you have access to your own EMR then it could be very difficult for you to find your medical records in a time of need like a medical emergency.

Another benefit of having access to your EMR is the ease of transition to a new doctor or health insurance plan. Typically, when you go to a new physician they have to ask you all of the basic questions to find out what you’re allergic to, what treatments you’ve had in the past, any medications that you may be on, and much more. This can be a hassle having to do this every time you see a new physician and in fact, it can also be detrimental to your care. If your physician cannot view your complete medical history then they may not be getting all of the facts and this could lead to improper and unsafe care. Paper based records cannot be moved around from facility to facility easily like EMR can and therefore, it is very possible that your new doctor might improperly diagnose you or order testing and treatments that you have already done. Don’t take these risks and make sure that you are receiving the best possible care by having immediate access to your EMR.

How can I Access My EMR Today?

Having access to your personal medical records is very important in ensuring your health and using EMR is the best way to access them. Obtaining your records can be a difficult process so use someone with experience to get access for you. Hire a Certified Field Agent today to collect your records and provide you with easy access to your EMR.