Internal Medicine EMR Integral for Disease Prevention

Although all physicians should focus on preventive care, doctors of internal medicine receive special training in disease prevention, and it is one of the main aspects of their profession. Without active patient participation, however, it is difficult for physicians to successfully treat patients and to prevent new diseases from forming. Fortunately for internists – and for at-risk patients – internal medicine EMR software is facilitating disease management and making it possible for physicians to spot early signs of disease. Here’s how:

Preventive Care

EMR systems designed for internal medicine specialists feature screening tools that help doctors single out patients presenting with symptoms of diabetes or other diseases. In some cases, patient lists can be generated using data documented in the EMR; however, physicians can also screen for at-risk patients using questionnaires preloaded in the EMR.

Once a patient has been flagged as being at risk for a certain disease, through their electronic health record software, internists can easily carry out preventive care measures. This includes:

• Setting up automatic follow-up reminders to ensure that the patient is contacted to come in for regular check-ups and has received appropriate tests
• Tracking all activity in the patient’s chart, including medication compliance and care by third-party physicians
• Making health data and educational materials available to patients through an online portal or secure website

Disease Management

Not all prevention efforts are successful, and not all diseases can be spotted early. Therefore, internists must sometimes treat patients who already have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other illnesses. With internal medicine EMR software, doctors can determine a course of action and map out treatment plans based on each patient’s unique health factors. Patients can also be given access to educational resources to help them understand their disease and how to manage it.

Additionally, EMR software makes it possible for physicians to be instantly alerted of important changes in a patient’s health record. For example, interfaces with laboratories allow internists to receive test results instantly – and lab results with abnormal findings get flagged for immediate review. Meanwhile, with paper-based records, a chart with abnormal lab results clipped to it might not be seen the physician right away and could even wind up getting lost.

To learn more about the EMR features available to doctors of internal medicine, contact us at 480-782-1116.