DeWitt (WSYR-TV) - A major shift in the way doctors care for their patients is underway in Central New York. Private practices are moving away from keeping patient files on paper and opting for electronic files instead.
It's going to take a lot of scanning, but by the end of the year CNY Internists in DeWitt hopes to make all of their files digital. The move will save paper, free up some space, and generally make it easier to access records.
CNY Internists has three locations in Central New York with thousands of patients. Dr. Robert Cupelo says the volume and variety of locations can make things difficult. "If someone needs me from another satellite, or if I'm on call, it's difficult because I can't go to that office and pull out their paper file."
That will change once the files are digitized. "When you pull up a patient chart, it'll have their basic information, what medication they are on, their diagnosis," said Dr. Cupelo.
CNY Internists says the system will help make treatment safer and quicker. It will also keep track of patients' prescriptions and any potential interactions.
Currently, hospitals in Central New York can access patients' electronic records with permission of the physician. There's also a movement nationally to create a database from which hospitals everywhere could pull vital patient information. For now, however, that effort is stalled while privacy concerns are addressed.
Doctor's offices and hospitals have been encouraged to make this switch with the help of $19-billion of stimulus money. In 2014, those that don't use electronic patient records will have their Medicare reimbursements cut back.
