One major component of EHR's that cannot be forgotten is document imaging. Document imaging is involved with taking pictures, films, or other non-digital documents and scanning them into an image solo. Any health care facility, large or small, can benefit from the installation of a robust imaging system.
There are many great systems out there, but in order to make your document imaging system successful, it needs to be able to interface with the EHR first and foremost. It also should have analysis and work flow management built in, as well as other reporting tools. Professionals in the Informatics field or other related fields will be able to analyze documents and their work flows for greater productivity and faster turn-around times for report completion.
Converting from hard copy films, pictures, and paper documents to an electronic medium, when implemented successfully, can be a driver in a well tuned health care organization. It sets the stage for electronic transfer of records, films, or other pictures to internal and external sources instantly to help work towards providing the highest level of care possible.
