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 challenging for physicians to effectively treat patients and prevent new diseases from developing. Fortunately for internists – and for at-risk patients – internal medicine EMR software is facilitating disease management, making it possible for physicians to identify 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 electronic medical record (EMR); however, physicians can also screen for at-risk patients using questionnaires preloaded into the EMR.

Once a patient has been flagged as being at risk for a specific disease through their electronic health record software, internists can easily implement 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 provided with access to educational resources to help them understand their disease and learn how to manage it effectively.

Additionally, EMR software enables physicians to be instantly alerted to significant 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 by the physician right away and could even get lost.

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