Yes, Virginia, there is a paper record!
This tongue-in-cheek essay hopes to prompt discussion among health information management (HIM) professionals of all levels with regard to the fast-changing HIM landscape, particularly the electronic health record (EHR) and the financial and career options that healthcare systems and employees have had to accept, adapt to, and decipher. Many of us have preconceived notions about how we will work within the new electronic environment as we help the implementation process succeed. Perhaps we need to also look at the negative impact some of these changes have had on HIM personnel. Some may find their tasks outsourced, obsolete, or expendable once the new EHR product they helped to implement is up and running. Do we really want all the paper to go away?
Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, VA, USA.
Tammy Lynn
TL
Berryhill
D002321:Career Choice; D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*