For years patient files have been a paper based system.  A system which has remained virtually unchanged since the 1950's.  While this system was fine in years past, when one physician would treat a patient their entire life.  This is no longer the norm. Now a  patient may see numerous doctors in one health care practice, not to mention any outside specialists.  This has lead to a growing need for an efficient way to access and exchange a patients medical information.

In order to facilitate the transmission of patient information medical practices and ospitals are switching to electronic medical record systems.

Electronic medical records, which according to experts consist of two primary categories the "born digital" record and the scanned image record.  The "born digital" record is information that was originally captured electronically.  The electronic entry mayconsist of data entry via keyboard, or information transcribed with a notebook PC or electronic tablet.

Scanned image records are just that, data that was previously paper or hardcopy form and is now scanned into the digital format.  This can included photographs and x-rays as well.

As medical facilities implement electronic medical record systems, they see immediate benefits.  Such as, having a patients complete medical history; including lab results, medications and allergies available in an emergency situation where the patient cannot convey this information themselves. 

The patient also benefits from electronic medical records, as they streamline the atients visit. The doctor no longer has to flip through the paper charts looking or the relevant information.  With a touch of a button the information can appear n screen.  Test results from outside sources are available immediately, no wait or the information to be sent from one facility to another

All parties can appreciate remote access to patient information via PDA or tablet PC allowing doctors the ability to answer medical questions while mobile.

A 2007 survey showed that physicians who have instituted an electronic medical record system feel that  patient care, patient safety and overall efficiency has improved due to electronic medical records.