COMPUTERIZED MEDICAL RECORDS

The future of the medical world is computerized medical records.
Some hospitals and doctors offices are already there.
Some are far from it.

I'm not referring to doctor's notes in a patient's chart.
Take for instance, an Ophthalmologist's office with multiple doctors and services under one roof.
A patient walks up to the front desk for an initial visit. He announces his name and the doctor he is there to see. He is asked to show his insurance cards, and picture ID, usually a driver's license and if required by his insurance a referral.

Next he is asked his address, phone number, birth date, social security number, etc. Then the receptionist slips his insurance cards and ID through a 3x1" scanner.

He is asked to sign some papers, usually required by his insurance carrier.
Next he is asked to remit his co-pay, if applicable, and then is given a printed receipt.

On subsequent visits, he is asked if his insurance has changed. If the answer is no, the receptionist simply asks him to verify his information, such as address and phone number. If it is the same his co-pay is requested and he's on his way to see the doctor.

Now for a hospital laboratory. Say you are there to have blood work done. First you probably have to wait in a line. When it is your turn the first thing you're asked is if you have a living will. This question is enough to unnerve anyone who already is wary of these places. You're then asked for your insurance cards, photo ID, and doctor's slip.

Next you are asked all the pertinent information, address, etc. Then you sign papers required by the insurance carrier, including how much your co-pay is for that day's service. Then you are given two copies of each paper you signed.

Remember, this is supposed to be a computerized process. I could paper a wall with the copies of papers I've received.

Next your told to have a seat and your cards will be returned to you momentarily.
Why? Because now the cards and doctor's orders have to be photocopied and all your information has to be manually entered into the computer. Now you know why you had to wait in line in the first place.

So you sit and wait, and wait. Finally your name is called and your cards are handed to you as you head into the lab.

Now fast forward to your next visit. Whether it is in three days, three weeks, or three months you go through the same excruitiating process, time after time.
I feel sorry for the girls who work the front desk and have to go through this process so many times in a day.

My question is, if one office can be streamlined why can't a large hospital facility be.

So when you hear someone talking about medical records being computerized, ask what exactly do they mean by computerized.

In the second scenario how many trees had to die to provide paper for the paperless system?