National Breaking news from AP Nokia Forecast Cheers Investors Software Cos. The Dallas Morning News Scott Yates is one of a growing number of physicians who has veered away from the paper trail. My patients can contact me by e-mail so they don't have to play phone tag. If the growing numbers of software programs and online resources are any indication, more medical professionals appear to be turning to electronic options in their offices. Dr. Yates is among those who believes automated medical records systems cut down on paperwork and allow for greater communication between doctor and patient, as well as doctor and staff.
Patients have the time to discuss their problems without losing their train of thought.
The electronic path ultimately leads to placing patient medical records online, something being tried in many hospitals and offices. Online medical records give doctors immediate access to the medical history of new patients, as well as provide physicians with longtime patients' charts with a few keystrokes. Dissenting opinions While most agree that putting medical records online is inevitable, many are uncomfortable with the notion. At this point, I don't feel comfortable with it and wouldn't consider it. She points to certain private data, such as infertility issues and screenings for sexually transmitted diseases, as information that patients wouldn't want to risk sharing with strangers.