Cleveland Clinic leading the way in health information technology

Renowned for its cardiovascular care, the Cleveland Clinic has also positioned itself as a leader in health information technology, TIME reported in its June 5 issue.

 

The Cleveland Clinic has digitized the medical charts of nearly five million patients and has filled and more than three million electronic prescriptions, according to the magazine. More than 120,000 Clinic patients regularly access their health records online. However, other providers have been slower to embrace the new technology—only 14% of U.S. medical practices store patient records electronically, according to HHS.

 

A team of physicians, nurses, Web developers, and software engineers have improved safety, reduced costs, and given patients greater control over their care, according to TIME. Every examination room has a computer terminal on a small rolling cart that clinicians use to document every step of patient care. They record patient symptoms and vital signs, progress and prognosis, and medications prescribed and taken, electronically. Scribbled notes on a metal-clad clipboard are a thing of the past.

 

Click here to read the TIME article.