Electronic Records Set Standard in South Georgia
Affinity Health Group is navigating health care’s future for south Georgia by implementing a fully integrated electronic medical records (EMR) system. Live and in use as of August 1, 2003 the Allscripts system creates a way for Affinity’s physicians to have instant access to a patient's complete medical record via a wireless electronic pad each physician uses during office visits.

"This system allows physicians to have access to their patients' information, to update the chart on-the-spot, review current prescribed pharmaceuticals, code the chart instantly and send prescriptions to the patient’s pharmacy," said Ray Cross, CEO, Affinity Health Group. "The new system is efficient for staff, physicians and patients."

The system will allow patients to leave the office knowing the charges that occurred during that particular visit. "Understandably, many patients want to know the amount of bill and what will be filed on insurance. This system allows the patient to know before they leave the building," stated Cross.

The EMR system also allows a form to be printed and faxed directly to a patient’s pharmacy, eliminating a step for patients. The system also checks for standard drug interactions, based on the patient's medicines listed and can alert the physician if the patient's insurance doesn’t cover a certain brand of a medicine. Given that information, the patient and physician can make an informed decision based on the facts and what is best for the patient.

The bottom line is better information translates into better health care. From more information about the patient’ s medical and pharmaceutical history for physicians, to less paperwork and therefore, less expense, to more accurate coding and billing the benefits are tremendous.

"This is just the beginning," said Cross. "Affinity wants to provide patients with the best in technological advances while remaining mindful that human interaction and compassion are at the core of health care."