Session 2 –Where does data go? And how do you add a new patient? ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD SYSTEMS

Session 2 In Session 1, we defined EMR and showed how EMR records differ from paper records. Then you logged into an EMR system. In this lesson, we’ll explore what happens to data that is entered into an EMR, and then you’ll register a patient in an EMR system.

Where does the information live? What happens to the information you put into an EMR? Where does it go? An EMR is a database. A database is a collection of information (data) that is organized for easy retrieval. When you get a prescription filled, your pharmacist can find your name and the medicines you take, because that information is contained in a database. The database itself lives in a computer – usually a computer with a large storage system such as a “server.” Data in the server can be accessed by multiple users.

Who might want to access the EMR database? Can you name some of the departments or people who would want to view EMR records?

Some of the people who might want to access the EMR

Let’s enter a new patient into the EMR system. Go to the open-EMR website. Click on this link: emr.org:2100/openemr/interface/ login/login_frame.php?site=defau lt (If you’re looking at slides, right- click on the link and choose “open hyperlink,” or else copy the link.)

This is the screen that should appear

Log in to the EMR. Enter this information Username: receptionist Password: receptionist

Is this what you see? If so, then you’ve logged in correctly.

Does the screen look different from what you saw in Session 1? Last time you logged in as “admin.” The administrator of the system can see all of the EMR’s functions. This time you logged in as “receptionist.” The receptionist role can see only certain areas of the EMR system. (We’ll cover this more in a later session.)

Adding a new patient Go to the left of the screen and click on New/Search.

This screen should appear.

Let’s add a new patient. 1.Enter this information for the new patient: First name: Middle Initial: D Last Name: Student Marital Status: Single Sex: Enter date of birth: 6/15/1955 Enter Social Security no: Click Create New Patient

This screen appears. Click OK to continue.

A screen like this should appear Note the location of the patient’s information.

You have successfully entered a patient. Now try adding another patient. Practice adding another patient using this information: Name: Jethro P. Patient Date of Birth: January 3, 1964 Sex: M Social Security No:

Did you have any problems? If you had difficulty adding Jethro’s date of birth, why was that? Most likely, you learned that the system only allows you to enter numbers. So, if you tried to type in “January” the system refused to accept your entry. IMPORTANT NOTE: Electronic medical record systems often have specific requirements for how information is entered.

That’s it for this lesson When you are ready to leave this lesson, please log out of the Open- EMR system. If you’d like, you can practice adding other patients or check to see what else you can enter about the patients you’ve just added to the system. NOTE: Because this is an open system, please be courteous in the information you enter.