Question

Electronic Health Record- Based on what you have learned in this module, what is the definition of an “electronic health record” (EHR)? Why is it important to the health care industry? What factors should be considered when sharing health information? What are the key laws/regulations affecting the EHR?

Answer 1

Electronic Health Records are the documents maintained or stored electronically in the digital form.

These are very important to health care industry

• They prevent downloading of large patient files
• These data can be accessed at any time with updated information.
• It eliminates storing large files manually in the form registers and records.
• All the patient data of multiple visits can be found at one place.
• Population based studies can also be performed effectively.

The factors such as privacy and confidentiality, HIPAA policies must be considered when sharing health information.

Laws or regulations affecting EHR are

Affordable Care Act

HIPAA Act

​​​​​​​Hi-tech Act etc.