Evolution of storing health records

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – In an evolving world of medicine and technology, doctors are learning new ways to treat patients and track their progress.

As part of our “Ask the Expert” series, in partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis , 7NEWS spoke with a nurse practitioner about how storing health records electronically has become the new normal.

From paper to high-security online platforms, the way health records are stored has changed.

“In the past, medical records were kept on paper at different offices, hospitals, in folders and files,” said Julia Paduano. “In present state, everything is kept electronically, for the most part, in a secured portal.”

Paduano is a nurse practitioner at Stoneview Internal Medicine . In her nearly two decades of practicing, she told us she’s seen the evolution of storing records shift to computer systems and sites like MyChart .

“Electronic health records are all of your medical information in one place. So that’s your lab results, your test results, including X-rays, CTs, MRIs, notes from all your doctors, your medication list, allergies, immunizations, anything you’ve done had done from a healthcare perspective,” explained Paduano.

It’s not just your medical history that’s stored virtually. Technological advancements even allow you to interact directly with health experts by simply clicking online.

“You’re welcome to schedule your appointment for primary care,” said Paduano. “You can reschedule appointments, check in if you need to update your insurance, pay your bill, read your notes, request refills or just send a message.”

What about security? How are major hospital systems assuring personal information is not leaked?

“There are safety parameters built into electronic medical records, including two-factor authentication for patients and lots of safety firewalls for physicians, nurses, and clinical staff,” Paduano said.

While times have, for the most part, moved away from pen and paper, it’s still around.

If you need to get in touch, you can still pick up the phone and call.

To submit a health topic for our ‘Ask the Expert’ series, click here .

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