Do you know the names and dosages of all of the medications you are taking? Current medical problems and past surgeries? Dates of vaccinations?  These are some of the common questions patients are asked when seeking health care.  It can be challenging to remember the answers to these questions, especially when you are not feeling well.

The use of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) can make your health care better, safer, and more efficient.  EHRs are computerized medical records that store your health information in a secure database. EHRs bring together the clinical notes usually found in a paper file as well as your medical history and medication list, allergies, and results from blood tests, imaging studies, consultations with specialists, and hospitalizations.

“With EHRs, a patient’s complete health information is available electronically, when and where it is needed,” said Fernando Valverde, MD, CEO of the FIU HealthCare Network. “Providers have immediate access to a patient’s history allowing them to make informed decisions about medical care.” EHRs have the added advantage of being secure from damage by flood or fire.

A year after opening its doors on the Modesto A. Maidique campus at Florida International University, FIU Health has converted from paper records to an EHR. This goes a long way towards achieving the federal government’s goals for quality and patient safety.

“Implementing an EHR is a critical step to meeting the Meaningful Use standards set by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH),” said Yolangel Hernandez Suarez, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the FIU HealthCare Network.  “The ultimate goal of Meaningful Use is to improve patient care through the use of data collected through EHRs.”

As the Faculty Practice implements its new EHR, patients are being asked to be a partner in their care and work with clinical staff to convert their information electronically. Patients will receive a clinical summary for each office visit that includes current medications, a problem list, recent results, as well as important instructions. The practice is also able to transmit prescriptions electronically to your preferred pharmacy.

Implementing an EHR to meet the national standards for Meaningful Use is part of our commitment to providing quality, safe care to all of our patients!