Electronic Health Record

An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital file that contains all your personal health information.

• The goal of the electronic health record EHR is to improve the coordination of your care by giving health care professionals accurate and up to date information.
• Know that your medical health record (MHR) is slowly being transferred into an EHR in your physician’s office and clinical and hospital settings.
• Learn about your electronic health record from Healthlink BC.
• Know that the items in your EHR come from different sources. The medical services plan (MSP) tracks your use of medical and specialist care as well as hospitalizations and diagnostic tests. PharmaNet tracks your medications. However, there are gaps in the systems when you receive care from providers not in the MSP network or take non-prescription over the counter drugs and supplements.
• Know that you are often the only one who has the complete story of your health history and journey.
• Consider choosing a health advocate to help you with keeping track of your health information and health care visits.
• Understand that an electronic health record is owned by a physician, specialist, clinic, or health authority. To date, EHRs in BC use different platforms meaning that not all clinics or services are connected to your hospital EHR.
• Always confirm your personal health information in your EHR when you are being asked questions at a medical visit or hospital admission.
• Know how to access your health profile when you are at a medical visit or during hospital admission. Make sure you share any changes or updates with your physician or nurse practitioner so it is entered into your EHR.
• Keep your health profile in your Mywell Health planner up to date. Ensure you include all allergies, medications, supplements, vitamins, herbs, over the counter drugs, alcohol use and recreational drug use in your medication list. Keep health conditions, surgical history, infectious diseases, and vaccination record current.

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