An EMR system in the Information Age

EMR software and practice management softwarerevolution we want to discuss, the age of
are becoming more user friendly and more and moreinformation.
hospitals are starting to use the software. They areIt has been an electrifying time as our society has
just more evidence as to how the information age isadvanced remarkably. Today information can be
continuing to develop and change our lives. This articledistributed quickly and with ease. Thanks to the
will give us some understanding as to what led up tointernet, cell phones, pagers, television, and new
this age of information and the usefulness ofadvancements in radio, one can find and distribute
electronic medical record software.nearly any information he or she desires. With all
The agricultural revolution is important to understand.these advancements, information technology has
It began in Great Britain, and the techniques thatbecome important to the growth of many industries
were used there begun a revolution of the wayand new companies. For example, the banking and
farming was done. Before the 1700's, farming andfinance industry relies heavily on information
agriculture had remained the same for hundreds oftechnology and spends up to 10% of their gross
years, but after new techniques became known, therevenues on information technology. If we analyze
way agriculture was done changed considerably.that and measure it up to the healthcare industry, we
The seed drill, became vital for the start of thiswill find that there is quite a difference. Th health
revolution. It was made known to Europe by Jethrocare industry only uses about two percent of their
Tull. Other inventions are the iron plough, thegross revenue for use on information technology.
threshing machine, (which was invented by AndrewSince the middle of the 20th century, doctors and
Meikle), and just some basic changes in field crophospitals have continued to use the same method to
rotation. Some other methods were alsorecord medical information, pen and paper. Therefore,
implemented, including selective breeding andthe need to upgrade is there. Some have started to
enclosure. Enclosure meant that the common fieldsput the emr and practice management software into
that were until that time shared, now becametheir practice, but there is a large number that still do
independently owned and operated.not use it. By installing an emr system, the practice or
These innovations allowed for the beginning of thehospital would better be able to provide assistance to
industrial revolution. Mechanization was a key factortheir patients and would save themselves from
to beginning the industrial revolution. Machines werewasting more time trying to locate a patient's medical
used in order to replace workers. Other issues helpedrecord through the hundreds filed away. Some might
the growth of this era. Things such as an escalation inworry about the security of their information when
the number of workers also helped. The workforceplaced in a software program, but they are secure as
increased because the general health of the people inbanking records.
the area increased and therefore disease was not asInformation technology is continually moving forward
prevalent. Many of the farm workers also wereand is becoming more prevalent in the healthcare
forced to change occupations becauseindustry. The future has much in store for the
advancements in agriculture forced them to lookindustry, and electronic medical records are definitely
elsewhere for work. Other inventions also helped,going to be apart of it. Many hospitals already have
such as the steam engine. It was made morethem in place. Next time you have to call one, the
efficiently and allowed for. There are many morewait to find all your records can be drastically
reasons for the rise of the industrial revolution, but toreduced and hospitals will be able to provide for their
list all the possible reasons would waste your timepatients in a timely manner. Practice management
because this is not the spotlight of this informativesoftware will also benefit every medical practice to
article. The only thing that must be recognized is thatorganize all of their billing information and help them
this revolution allowed for the appearance of thebetter serve their patients.