Computer-aided documentation. Quality, productivity, coding, and enhanced reimbursement.
OBJECTIVE
Physicians currently use technology, where appropriate, to improve patient care, for example, MRI and three-dimensional radiotherapy dose planning. One area that has seen limited benefit from current technology is in documenting of medical information.


METHODS
Review of related literature and directed interviews.


RESULTS
Technology is available to assist in documenting the initial patient encounter. Patient care, quality of practice, and reimbursement may be improved with careful implementation.


CONCLUSIONS
It will be worthwhile for practices to examine how to implement this technology to obtain the potential benefits.
Foxlee
R H
RH
Sequim Radiation Oncology Center, Virginia Mason Clinic, WA 98382.
D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D012984:Software