Electronic Medical Records: A Guide for Clinicians and Administrators. (Book Reviews).

Electronic Medical Records: A Guide for Clinicians and Administrators.

Author: Jerome H. Carter, MD

Publisher: American College of Physicians, 2001

The electronic medical record is rapidly becoming an integral part of healthcare. This system has the potential of integrating important information from various departments and delivering it to clinicians, thus allowing them to make appropriate decisions, taking into consideration all of the relevant information available on the patient.

The rapidity of the expansion of electronic records, however, has given rise to a great deal of confusion among clinicians and also to a certain degree of frustration. Dr. Jerome H. Carter addresses these issues in his book, Electronic Medical Records: A Guide for Clinicians and Administrators. This is a very useful text for professionals who are seeking information regarding the electronic medical record.

The book is divided into two sections. The initial section contains technical background information that will be of use particularly to those not very familiar with electronic medical records and to those who are starting to use them. This section includes both basic as well as some advanced computer information. It contains 12 chapters discussing the infrastructure, processes, and outcome, as well as suggested strategies, legal issues, and issues dealing with security and confidentiality. The second section describes the implementation of the electronic medical record system. It discusses the record itself and clearly describes how to navigate through charts and how to utilize them appropriately for the records. The text provides a good framework and knowledge base for the healthcare professionals using the electronic medical record.

Four appendices are also included. The first is a glossary of selected technical terms. The second lists a number of resources available, with addresses, phone numbers, and Web site addresses. The third appendix contains EMR Evaluation Forms. The last appendix contains a sample request for proposal.

The book is well written, easy to read, and well presented. Tables, diagrams, and flow charts further enhance the readability of the book. Summaries at the end of chapters help emphasize the key issues discussed in each chapter. References include Web sites and addresses and should be very useful for readers who are interested in gaining more knowledge on this topic.

We recommend this book for all healthcare professionals who are contemplating using electronic medical records or have started using this system and also- for those already proficient with the system. The book provides a basis about electronic medical records and answers many questions that may arise when physicians are using an electronic medical record system. The book contains solid and sound advice for clinicians, administrators, and others involved with electronic medical records.