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Legal Issues with Electronic Medical Records

Submitted by Genwright from blog

Sep 29, 2009

Summary

When medical practices change over from paper to electronic medical records (EMR), steps must be taken to ensure that the records remain legally sound. The change to electronic medical records brings up some issues with compliance, privacy, and security. Below you will find some important considerations to make when switching your practice over to EMR.

When writing and exam on a piece of paper and signing it, you create a legal document. You are most likely familiar with the problems that can result from changes to medical records, and the importance of good documentation. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) asserts that electronic medical records must be stored legally. Otherwise, these records can be challenged as hearsay and deemed invalid.

This is important, because when electronic medical records do not meet the legal requirements, a payor can sometimes deny a claim. Also, you could create the risk of an adverse outcome in litigation. In addition to being sure your electronic records aren't altered, you must also be able to de ...Read the full article

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