Title: Virtual health/electronic medical record: current status and perspective

Authors: Charles B.H. Hough, Jason C.H. Chen, Binshan Lin

Addresses: Rockwood Clinic, E 400 5th Ave., Spokane WA 99220, USA. ' School of Business Administration, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington 99258, USA. ' College of Business Administration, Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71115, USA

Abstract: Information technology (IT) is a critical resource for improving today|s business competitiveness. IT is transforming and redefining the ways companies do business. However, many healthcare providers do not proactively manage or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their services with redesign of their processes using IT. Survival in a competitive business environment demands continuous improvements in quality and service, while rigorously maintaining core values. The healthcare industry, which now accounts for roughly 12% of our GDP, has sadly lagged behind in this transforming process. Lack of competition, resistance to change, and capital cost are all to blame. However, there is progress. Many hospitals and physician groups are now digitising their records and clinical data. This paper describes the steps involved in the development of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and then discusses a specific company (Rockwood Clinic) and its struggle to enter the digital age.

Keywords: clinics; electronic medical records; EMR; e-healthcare; electronic healthcare; HIPAA; information technology; internet; virtual health records; VHR; medical history.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2005.006523

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2005 Vol.6 No.3, pp.257 - 275

Published online: 20 Mar 2005 *

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