Frequently Asked Questions About Electronic Medical Records

What is an electronic medical record (EMR)?

An electronic medical record is a computerized version of your chart.

What are the benefits of an electronic medical record?

With an EMR, your records are immediately accessible, giving physicians the most current information in an easily searchable format. Information from other sources, including hospital records, x-rays and lab reports, can be accessed with a keystroke. In addition, EMRs reduce the possibility of misinterpreting medication and dosage information due to illegible handwriting, and they can automatically check for drug interactions.

Is my health information secure with an EMR?

Yes. The privacy of our patients is extremely important to us. The system is compliant with HIPAA regulations and requires a password and log-in for each user. There are multiple layers of security built into the system. Audit trails track log-in information and which charts are viewed. Automatic log-offs ensure records aren’t accidentally left open.

How will my records be transferred from paper to computer?

Your most current records will be scanned into the computer from paper records. Going forward, most of your medical information will be entered electronically. Your physician will have the paper records for reference, however, as not all of your medical history will become part of your EMR.

Will AVMC now have access to more records? If so, which ones?

The EMR system we selected meets the interoperability criteria, meaning we can share your records with many other medical facilities treating you and vice versa. For example, if you are treated in our Urgent Care, but need to be transferred to a hospital, it is highly likely that your records can be transferred electronically.

What backup is in place in case the computer fails?

The records are actually housed in a secure facility off site. There are many redundancies built into the system in case of a rare computer failure.

Are doctors proficient in the system? How were they trained?

Our doctors are becoming proficient in the system. They will be given several days of classroom training, and a trainer will be available to them as they begin to use the EMR with patients this summer.

Will EMRs shorten my time with the physician?

Your physicians will continue to provide you with enough time to answer your questions and respond to your medical needs. Many clinics have found that physicians actually have more time with patients after EMRs are introduced because they don’t have to spend as much time looking up information.

Who will have access to my records?

The same people who now have access to your medical records will have access to your EMR records. This will not change. Anyone with access to these records has been trained in HIPAA regulations and takes your privacy very seriously.

Why are EMRs being introduced in phases?

We are introducing EMR services in phases to ensure that the proper training and development time is spent on the front end.

Can I view my own records?

Your medical records are always available to you, but only a limited amount of information will be available electronically. Later this year, you will be able to view lab and x-ray results online.

Why were EMRs not introduced before now?

The leaders of the Apple Valley Medical Clinic believe this is the right time to invest in the rapidly evolving, and costly, technology. It is important that the needs of the clinic are met, as well as the needs of our patients.

Will this affect my costs at AVMC?

No.

Can I make appointments from home?

We hope to introduce online appointments in the near future. Please watch our website (www.applevalleymedicalcenter.com) for more information.

Why is the registration line longer now?

With any new system, some of your personal information has to be re-entered to comply with new forms and computer screens. We appreciate your patience with the lines and assure you we are doing everything we can to eliminate unnecessary wait times.

Why do you need my social security number?

This assists us with tracking and billing, but this information is not required.

Why are you asking me for my information ahead of time, rather than when I check in?

The more information we can enter into the computer ahead of your visit, the shorter the registration process will be.

Why do you need to know my race/ethnicity?

This information is required by payers and government programs. You have the right to decline this information.

Why are you asking for some of the same information you already have, such as a HIPAA signature and my ID?

With any new system, some of your personal information has to be re-entered to comply with new forms and computer screens. We appreciate your patience with any delays and are doing everything we can to eliminate unnecessary wait times.

Will specialty physicians use EMRs now, too?

Many specialty physicians already use EMRs in their individual practices. Not all of them use the same EMRs, however.

Can I order my prescriptions online?

This benefit will be added soon.

Can I get lab results online?

This benefit will be added soon.