80% of doctors now use some form of Electronic Medical Records.  I am sure you have noticed that when you are in the doctor's office, your doctor is likely looking at a screen and asking you questions.  Or, when you or a loved one is in the hospital, you have 5 different people asking you the same questions over and over.  Sometimes, you are probably thinking to yourself, why does he need to know that?

Medical professionals now talk to a screen instead of a patient.  As a result, medical care is even more impersonal and removed. 

Welcome to the world of Electronic Medical Records.  You hate them, and so do your doctors.  A recent study by the American Medical Association revealed that doctor satisfaction over their use of electronic medical record systems has plummeted to 34%.

I recently hosted a seminar on this subject that was widely attended by medical professionals.  The report was resoundingly negative.  Some doctors openly described these systems as dangerous.  They also hate that documentation takes 30 – 40 % longer, which prevents them from seeing patients.  One orthopedic doctor described that he now sees 30% less patients a day!

The reality is that electronic medical records are here to stay.  The Federal Government has mandated this changeover. 

As a medical malpractice lawyer, I am seeing many new medical errors resulting from these systems.  Most concerning is the failure of test results to get to the right person, so the patient can get the care they need. 

What you can do is make sure you are managing your care?  If you have a test done, ask to see the results.  Never forget these are your records, and you are entitled to have a copy of your test results.  If you do not understand something, ask.  That way, you will make sure your doctors are getting the information they need to provide you with the care you deserve.