The mini electronic medical record: a low-cost, low-risk partial solution.
Electronic medical records (EMRs) offer many advantages. However, there are also risks involved with adopting a full commercial EMR. These include high cost, the disruption of clinic routines, and poor or no vendor support. We created and implemented a partial, or miniature EMR (mini EMR) based on Microsoft Access 97 (Microsoft Corporation; Redmond, Wash). This program serves as an electronic front sheet for the patient chart that records International Classification of Diseases--9th revision codes and chronic medications and allergies, and provides reminders for prevention procedures. The mini EMR has been inexpensive, adaptable, easy to maintain, and very well accepted, and it has caused little interruption of our clinical activities. We believe the program can serve as a bridge to a future commercial EMR once that market has matured.
Chambliss
M L
ML
Family Medicine Residency Program, Moses Cone Health System, Greensboro Area Health Education Center, 1125 N. Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401-1007, USA. Lee.Chambliss@mosescone.com.
Rasco
T
T
Clark
R D
RD
Gardner
J P
JP
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004867:Equipment Design; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000191:economics* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009657:North Carolina; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity