What impact has the use of electronic health record applications had on patient care?

The use of electronic health record (EHR) applications has significantly impacted patient care by opening access to care. EHRs enhance the ability of healthcare providers to share patient information quickly and efficiently, which facilitates better coordination of care among different specialists and care settings. This interconnectedness means that patients often experience shorter wait times for appointments and faster access to necessary treatments due to the streamlined sharing of medical histories, test results, and treatment plans.

Moreover, EHRs can improve access to care through features like telehealth services, allowing patients in remote areas or with mobility issues to receive care without needing to travel. They also enable patients to engage more directly with their health information through patient portals, improving communication and empowering them to participate in their own care.

In contrast, other options do not capture this positive impact on patient access effectively. For example, while creating stand-alone clinics might have occurred in some contexts, it does not represent the broader influence of EHRs on patient care access. Similarly, the claim that EHRs decrease billable visits overlooks how they can actually facilitate more efficient scheduling and care delivery. The notion of increasing risks to patients is also misleading, as EHRs, when implemented correctly, often enhance safety through better documentation and