Do Electronic Health Records Reduce Medical Malpractice?

According to Modern Healthcare, 96 percent of hospitals in the United States have adopted electronic health record (EHR) systems as of 2015. Both patients and providers are benefitting from the use of EHRs, but no recordkeeping system is foolproof when it comes to preventing medical malpractice.

The standard of care that a patient receives could mean the difference between life and death, so you might be surprised to learn that EHR software can have glitches, but how many times have you experienced an error or entered a typo when using your smartphone, tablet, or computer?

If you were a victim of medical malpractice or you lost a family member due to a provider’s negligence, contact The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. David A. Bowling is a medical malpractice attorney in New Orleans who will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.

Mr. Bowling will help you meet all required deadlines and avoid costly mistakes during the claims process. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation.

Do Electronic Health Records Reduce Medical Malpractice?

There are several advantages of using electronic health records when treating patients; however, even with EHRs, there still exists the potential for committing medical malpractice. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, advancements in healthcare information technology (HIT) like EHR systems have improved patient safety in recent years, but sadly, no HIT system is foolproof.

Some common issues with EHR systems that can cause or complicate medical malpractice cases include design flaws, user errors, data breaches, and log-in concerns. At the end of the day, it appears that electronic health records have not eliminated medical errors but created the potential for new ones instead.

How Can Issues with EHRs Cause Medical Malpractice?

When using an EHR system, simple design flaws can have devastating consequences. For example, an auto-fill or auto-correct feature might change the patient’s information without the provider realizing it. Typos can also lead to complications.

When using electronic systems, data breaches are a valid concern, as well. Everyone has the right to privacy regarding their medical records, but electronic health record systems are vulnerable to hacking.

Additionally, if medical malpractice does occur, log-in issues with the EHR can complicate the situation. For example, most EHR systems track all log-ins, but if healthcare providers share their passwords, it can make it incredibly challenging to prove fault following a hospital error.

If your primary care provider uses an electronic health record system, you can have some peace of mind knowing that your doctor stays up-to-date on the latest HIT advancements; however, you need to remember that you are still vulnerable to malpractice.

If you or a member of your family sustained serious injuries or an illness as the result of an EHR error, contact The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm to discuss your case. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation with a wrongful death lawyer in New Orleans. You can learn more about medical malpractice claims in Louisiana by visiting USAttorneys.com