What is Electronic Health?

 E-health is an emerging field in the intersection of medical informatics, public

health and tousiness, referring to health services and information delivered or
enhanced through the Internet and related technologies. In a broader sense, the
term characterizes not only a technical development, but also a state-of-mind, a
way of thinking, an attitude, and a commitment for networked, global thinking, to
improve health care locally, regionally, and worldwide by using information and
communication technology.

How the Healthcare Sector uses E- health?

The use of EHs is increasing exponentially in recent years mainly because of the
increasing awareness among the patients and the healthcare providers for access to
patient records. Further, the incentives to use the EHs are also being provided by the
government, which wants the healthcare profession to automate and embrace
Information Technology as much as possible in an effort to modernize, and increase the
efficiency with which the sector operates.

Apart from this, the use of EHs is also increasing because the supply chain of the
healthcare sector has become more complex leading to a need among the various
stakeholders for accurate, reliable, and consistent information about the patients, which
they can then use to provide quality healthcare to the patients.

Types of E Health systems

There are different ways EH systems are configured. Each has its advantages and
disadvantages, depending on a medical practice’s unique needs and requirements.

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1. Physician-hosted system

Physician-hosted systems very basically mean that all data is hosted on a physician’s own
servers. This means that a physician is responsible for purchasing hardware and software, as
well as the continued maintenance and security of the data stored on their servers.An EH
system hosted by a physician at their medical practice may be beneficial for larger practices
that can cover the overhead costs of the complex software. Having on-site servers also helps
speed up an EH system and makes it a more reliable source of information.

2. Remotely-Hosted System

Remotely-hosted systems shift the storage of data from the physician to a third party.This entity
must deal with maintenance, data backup, and security. This type of system puts the
responsibility for maintaining data somewhere else besides a single physician or medical
practice. This shift of responsibility might be attractive to smaller practices or any healthcare
provider that wants to focus more on collecting the information and not storing it. This type of
system eliminates some of the IT headaches that can take away a physician’s attention from
their patient’s care and wellbeing.

3. Remote Systems

There are three different varieties of remote systems.

 Subsidized: A subsidized system involves a relationship with some entity that subsidizes
the cost of an EH. Generally, a physician forms this relationship with a hospital, which
then controls the data. Keep in mind that a remote system involving a subsidizing entity
can bring up certain legal issues, including antitrust and data ownership concerns.

 Dedicated: A dedicated host system means that physicians store EHs on a vendor’s
servers. These servers are usually in specific locations. A physician cannot control most
aspects of data storage with this system.

 Cloud: One of the most popular EH remote systems is a cloud, or internet-based

computing system. A physician doesn’t need to store data on their own servers, but a
vendor stores it “in the cloud.” This means the data is always stored away somewhere
secure on the internet and can be accessed through the vendor’s website.

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Advantages of Electronic Health

1. There is a financial incentive for medical providers.

Medical providers who computerize their traditional records with a certified EH provide the
necessary demonstration of meaningful use that the government requires. That allows them to
obtain or continue receiving the financial incentives that programs such as Medicaid or
Medicare offer. Government mandates encourage the use of an EH to make patient care more
efficient.

2. Proper information is easier to document.

Most electronic health record systems make it possible to create templates. Those templates
direct caregivers to enter specific notes or records for every patient, making it possible to
accurately document required information on a patient-to-patient basis. Even though different
visits might require different documentation, the EH makes it possible to stop data loss by
offering reminders of what needs to be done.

3. Patients have better access to their medical records.

With an electronic health records initiative, many medical providers have created online portals.
These portals allow patients to access their medical records whenever they wish, as long as
they have a secure data or internet connection. This allows every patient to reference a
treatment plan or understand how their doctor sees their current state of health at any time.

4. It saves time.

When a patient portal is introduced with an EH system, it can be setup so that patients can input
their own data directly into their records. Instead of spending 20 minutes filling out paperwork
at the doctor’s office before a visit, they can enter their data directly into their file days, if not
weeks, before their scheduled visit. It saves them time and it saves time on the administrative
work by the medical provider.

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5. Orders can be initiated with greater speed.

With an EH system, doctors can immediately place orders for imaging or laboratory work. This
reduces the chance of an error occurring because the handwriting of the doctor is difficult to
decipher. This benefit extends to the placement of a prescription order as well. An electronic
order can be sent directly to the pharmacy of choice for a patient. By the time a person gets to
the pharmacy, their order could potentially be ready.

6. Billing can become more accurate.

Electronic records can also capture the use of facility resources more accurately, making it
possible for the billing record of a patient to be more accurate. Although patients may not see
any change because of this advantage, third-party payers, such as an insurance company, will
have a complete record for activity and charges. This can maximize the revenues that a medical
provider can achieve.

7. It can be a tool for preventative health.

Medical providers have access to all patient data immediately with an electronic health record.
If it has been 10 years and a patient comes in for their annual checkup, the doctor can inform
that person it would be a good idea for them to have their tetanus vaccine updated. Cancer
screenings, cholesterol testing, and other potential preventative actions which may be due can
also be accurately communicated to each patient.

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Disadvantages of Electronic Health

1. HIPAA violations are more common than many realize.

A HIPAA violation can cost anywhere from $100 to $1.5 million when it is reported or detected.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was first initiated in 1996 so that
national standards for security and confidentiality could be set in the US. An employee doesn’t
need to lose a computer or access a patient file without permission. A doctor talking to their
family about a patient’s health is a violation too. Without proper training, these violations can
hamper the medical care a patient receives.

2. Hackers don’t need to access patient files to restrict them.

Ransomware attacks in 2017, initiated through malware and other security access problems on
electronic health record servers, cost numerous hospitals thousands of dollars per incident.
This software encrypts the EH, making it inaccessible until a “ransom” is paid to restore the
data. Even if the ransom is paid, there is no guarantee that the files weren’t copied and
distributed to other people either.

3. It must be updated on a regular basis.

Like any software solution, an electronic health record platform must receive regular updates so
that it can perform as needed. Not every software creator does this. If a medical provider
selects a system that receives infrequent updates, they could be placed at a disadvantage over
time when compared to facilities that do receive regular updates.

4. What happens if a doctor doesn’t have computer access?

Although many specialists have interview rooms where a computer is permanently installed,
this isn’t the case for general practitioners or family providers. Small offices may have a doctor
carry a laptop or tablet to maintain their electronic health records. If the doctor forgets the
electronic device, then gaps of information may begin to appear in the patient record. Data
collected in real time is more accurate that data that is recalled, even if the space of that recall
is 15 minutes or less.

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5. Electronic health record systems are not cheap.

Medical facilities must invest a considerable amount, often measured in millions of dollars, to
setup, maintain, and train people on an EH. System updates may have a cost to them. Many
facilities need to hire IT professionals or outsource their tech needs to keep the system running
as effectively as possible.

Conclusion

 E-health is an emerging field in the intersection of medical informatics, public health and
b tousiness, referring to health services and information delivered or enhanced through
the Internet and related technologies.

 The use of EHs is increasing exponentially in recent years mainly because of the
increasing awareness among the patients and the healthcare providers for access to
patient records.

 There are different ways EH systems are configured. Each has its advantages and
disadvantages, depending on a medical practice’s unique needs and requirements.

 Physician-hosted system, Remotely-Hosted System and Remote System are the types of
Electronic Health System.