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Released: July 16, 2010

Will digital medical records save your life?

Source: Rodale, MSNBC.com

As far as medical health records go, we’re kind of trapped in a weird state of transition that can be confusing, frustrating, and even dangerous for patients.

Many doctor’s officers and hospitals still use traditional paper files, or a mix of paper and electronic files, while fewer than 10 percent have transitioned into the world of electronic health records. But that number is likely to grow sharply over the next three years because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The stimulus package provides incentives for physician practices and hospitals to convert to electronic health-record systems that fit government criteria by 2014.

Although it will be very difficult for 100 percent of doctor’s offices and hospitals to go electronic by the administration’s 2014 goal, there’s a good chance at least one of your healthcare providers will.

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