As technology advances, electronic health records (EHRs) have emerged as a transformative force in the healthcare industry, revolutionizing the storage and accessibility of patient information. While these digital systems offer numerous benefits, their adoption comes with new challenges, particularly in medical malpractice.
This article aims to shed light on the impact of electronic health records on medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania. We will explore the potential challenges associated with EHRs, including inaccurate or incomplete entries, communication errors, and the risks of EHR-related negligence. Understanding these challenges is crucial for healthcare providers and patients to ensure safe and effective healthcare delivery.
Incomplete or Inaccurate EHR Entries
Due to incomplete or incorrect entries, EHRs can be a significant hurdle in medical malpractice cases. Healthcare providers are responsible for accurately recording patient info, medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and medications. But inaccuracies or omissions in EHR entries can result in serious consequences, including medication errors, misdiagnosis, and delayed or inappropriate treatments.
Communication Errors and Misinterpretation
EHRs rely heavily on electronic communication channels for healthcare professionals to exchange patient information, test results, and treatment plans. However, miscommunication or misinterpreting data within the EHR system can harm patient care.
EHR-Related Negligence and Medical Malpractice Claims
EHRs are rapidly becoming an integral part of the healthcare industry. It is, therefore, imperative to understand the difficulties they present regarding medical malpractice cases. Healthcare providers should address potentially incomplete or inaccurate entries, communicative errors, and the risks of EHR-related negligence.
Medical professionals must exercise due diligence to ensure patients receive the best care possible while using EHRs. However, when they fail to do so, and a patient suffers an injury, the healthcare provider can and must be held responsible.
It is fundamental that patients play an active role in their healthcare journeys. However, it is not the patient’s job to ensure that their healthcare provider meets the standard of care for their treatment. This applies to the use of electronic health records.
Larry Pitt & Associates Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury that can be traced back to a failure in the use of EHRs, it is critical that you contact a medical malpractice attorney with knowledge in this area of the law.
The experienced and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorneys at Larry Pitt & Associates have decades of experience protecting the rights of those injured by medical malpractice.
If you need help with any aspect of your medical malpractice claim, contact the knowledgeable Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. We can help you navigate the legal process and collect the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. For a free consultation, call us at 888-PITT-LAW or complete our online contact form.