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ePatientHistory.com is the ideal solution for allowing patients to enter their health information on a HIPAA compliant web-based portal from home before an office visit. The advantages of using patient-entered data are many:
Patients appreciate the service and in spite of physicians’ reservations, over 80 percent can use ePatientHistory. Most patients using online health portals are between the ages of 50 and 70.
Physicians collect more data than is possible using traditional handwritten forms. Studies indicate up to 56 percent more accurate information is obtained using computer entry of patient histories, leading to improved communication with most patients.
Patients are more apt to reveal medical or social secrets to a computer than to a physician according to various psychiatric studies.
Digital information is exported in a format that can easily be imported into existing office EHR systems to streamline workflows.
Information provided can be reviewed by physicians prior to an office visit, allowing exams to focus on problems already identified by the patient. Physicians can customize ePatientHistory online questionnaires to obtain information specific to their practice specialty. For example, an ear, nose and throat specialist can include questions related to ear, nose and throat, with a lower level of detail required on other subjects.
Posting non-critical test results electronically for patients to securely log in and review can save staff time and mailing costs.
ePatientHistory.com allows patients to upload photos of rashes, wounds, swelling, etc. that may be reviewed prior to an appointment. Considering that most cell phones have the capability of taking photos, this feature is one most patients already use often when emailing photos to friends.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires that electronic transfers of personal health information and access to it are protected by encryption and authentication. Data security on ePatientHistory.com is ensured using SSL technology to encrypt data being transferred, and data is stored on HIPAA-compliant servers for maximum protection.
Many practices offer downloadable PDF forms that patients complete and bring to the office during a first appointment. While this is more convenient than filling out questionnaires in the reception area, forms are often illegible, do not allow for detailed entry of information, and must still be retyped or scanned for electronic storage. ePatientHistory.com eliminates these issues, allowing a practice to validate patient insurance coverage and identify medical problems before a patient arrives, as well as streamline office workflows by obtaining digitized data directly from the patient.
About EMG Productions, Inc.:
EMG Productions, Inc. is an experienced web design/development and production studio offering a variety of online services to national clients for over 15 years. EMG specializes in creating affordable custom online services that meet the specific needs of their clients, which include rich media, data capture, product/service presentation, video production, and web design.
Written by Pamela Alford, President
email@epatienthistory.com
http://www.epatienthistory.com/
Posted August 18th, 2009 by Armen Hareyan
