As medical science has rapidly evolved one thing has remained relatively dormant is the way physicians have kept medical records.  In most medical offices, your information and progress notes have been documented with pen and paper.  Although this form of documentation has been sufficient, it has also limited the ability to share medical information between multiple physicians.  Over the last several years there has been a new push to advance they way physicians document your office visits, track illnesses, and manage medications.

All physicians will soon be obligated to transition to what is called electronic medical records (EMR).   This means your physician will no longer use pen and paper, but instead document your visit on a computer.  As technology evolves, these records will be available to other persons and institutions you grant access, including emergency room physicians, hospitals, and other medical specialists. Medications and allergies will also be documented and shared electronically.  The goal is for EMR to provide your physicians with more immediate and timely information regarding your medical health and reduce the bureaucracy currently inherent in the healthcare industry.

There are legitimate concerns with this type of system including the cost to implement this technology and secure your medical information.  Physicians will be responsible for paying for implementing EMR systems.  Government and computer science industry are also needed to develop safeguards so your information is protected from unauthorized persons gaining access.  Regardless of these obstacles and costs, EMRs are a certainty in the very near future.

The goal of Coastal Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology is to provide patients with the most up to date medical science and technology while providing personalized and compassionate care.  In order to provide this quality of care, Dr. Darrell Gonzales has supported the implementation of EMR in his office.  Your information is collected and maintained using some of the most sophisticated medical data software to document your office visits, laboratory data, and health information.  Your records are safely stored on an independent server so only those with permission can access your medical records.  Ultimately, this system assists Coastal Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology in providing you the best and most up to date standards in heath care.