SCANNING, ABSTRACTING,& ADDING MEDICAL RECORDS

TO

AN EHRBREAKING IT DOWN WITH RECORD NATIONS

Medical record scanning and abstraction are at the core of making the transition to paperless operations for hospitals, medical practices, and healthcare facilities.

The process takes both new and old paper medical records, converts them to digital formats, and then extracts and organizes new PHI for useful application with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

As we break down the process, we’ll help to clarify and cover:

• What do these terms mean?

• How exactly do they all fit together?

• What medical information should I add to an EHR?

• How much will converting paper to digital records cost?

• What are the benefits?

GETTING STARTED

SCANNING MEDICAL RECORDSManaging scanned patient health records, prescriptions, and transcripts electronically drastically improves the efficiency of tracking patient care for healthcare providers.

HIPAA and HITECH-compliant medical record scanning services are available, but before diving in headfirst, most want to know how much making the paperless transition will cost.

On average, the cost per page for scanning ranges between 7 – 12 cents. To get a good estimate for what you might expect to pay for a scanning project, you’ll need to know how many medical records you have to scan.

STORAGETYPE

STORAGE CAPACITY (SINGLE-SIDED)

Standard Bankers Box 2,000 – 2,500 Sheets

Large File Box 4,000 – 4,500 Sheets

Shelf Space 1 Bankers Box per 10” – 16”

STORAGETYPE

AVERAGE COST(10 – 12 CENTS PER PAGE)

Standard Bankers Box (10” – 16” Shelf Space)

$200 – $250

Large File Box $400 – $450

ABSTRACTING MEDICAL DATAMedical data abstraction involves the process of taking newly scanned and digitized patient medical records and integrating them with EHR systems.

Necessary medical information is collected, extracted, and organized for the EHR to make electronic medical records available when and where they’re most needed by providers.

Medical data to have abstracted includes:

• Growth charts for pediatric patients• Key patient demographic data• Family medical history• Historical procedures• Problem list• Legal documents such as advanced

directives and custodial agreements

• Allergies

• Immunizations

• Referral sources and follow-up

• Current medications

• Medical device or implant information, including manufacturer, date, and serial number

ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR)Abstracting medical records according to the HITECH Act’s meaningful use definitions for EHR systems helps health care providers to use electronic medical records when and where they need it most.

Using a digital system for managing medical records rather than traditional paper charts and files gives a powerful boost to health care providers’ efficiency, with benefits including:

• Streamline workflow and ease of access to electronicpatient file—improving overall patient care

• Readily-available ability to securely exchange records, labresults, and communications between patient and provider

• Eliminates likelihood of patient record misfiling andmisinterpretation of doctors’ handwriting

Begin by scanning new and old paper medical records and converting

to digital files

Then use medical data abstraction to collect, remove, and prepare records for use

with your EHR

Finish by integrating abstracted electronic

medical records with your EHR for meaningful use

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

READY TO REAP THE REWARDS OF PAPERLESS MEDICAL RECORD MANAGEMENT?

GET STARTED WHEN YOU VISIT US AT RECORD NATIONS TODAY