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Electronic medical records and cost efficiency in hospital medical-surgical units
Michael F Furukawa1, T S Raghu, Benjamin B M Shao
1School of Health Management and Policy, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-4506, USA. Michael.Furukawa@asu.edu
Abstract:
This study examines the impact of electronic medical records (EMRs) on cost efficiency in hospital medical-surgical units. Using panel data on California hospitals from 1998 to 2007, we employed stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate the relationships between EMR implementation and the cost inefficiency of medical-surgical units. We categorized EMR implementation into three stages based on the level of sophistication. We also examined the effects of specific EMR systems on cost inefficiency. Our SFA models addressed potential bias from unobserved heterogeneity and heteroskedasticity. EMR Stages 1 and 2, nursing documentation, electronic medication administration records, and clinical decision support were associated with significantly higher inefficiency.
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Methods of Documentation VII: EMR
Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
Purpose of Health Records I
Here's a breakdown of how health records serve these purposes:
Purpose of Health Records II
Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Methods of Documentation I: Source-Oriented Records
In an SOR, each discipline involved in patient care maintains a separate medical record section. This record-keeping method enables easy tracking of patient progress and ensures healthcare staff have access to up-to-date information.
Key Attributes include the following:
