Arthritis is a disease that affects approximately 24% of all adults in the US, with medical treatments for arthritis and lost earnings totaling nearly $303.5 billion. It can greatly affect those with it, as well as their families with great physical, financial, and even social implications involved.
Rheumatologists are specialists in arthritis and other diseases related to bones, muscles, and joints. Most patients with arthritis need to see a rheumatologist. The tools used for these treatments play a vital role as they can affect treatment plans as well as the quality of care.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a term for more than 100 different conditions which affect the joints, some of the most common of which are:
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Gout
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
The most common symptom is joint inflammation and pain, caused by wear and tear of joint tissues and breakdown of cartilage; some forms of arthritis can even affect multiple organs and lead to many other symptoms.
Arthritis typically worsens with age, and severe arthritis can make regular daily tasks much more tedious and uncomfortable. Currently, there is no known cure for this condition, however, steps can be taken to treat it and prevent it from developing.
Problems with Traditional Paper-Based Systems
Treating arthritis with paper records can be challenging. Firstly, it’s much easier to make errors on paper records. Hard-to-read handwriting and missing information can lead to inaccuracies in patient information and treatment plans.
Managing paper files is also much more time-consuming. Organizing and retrieving physical files, in a digital age, ultimately reduces the efficiency of health providers and slows down decision-making.
Another point is how easily professionals can communicate with EMR software. Being able to communicate across a unified EMR software system, is simply far more efficient, quick, and convenient than traditional mediums.
More relevantly, arthritis requires a lot of tracking and analysis of patient data. With paper records, it’s much more labor-intensive and frankly impractical. Hence, paper records can fall short of meeting modern demands for comprehensive, efficient, and coordinated care required for the effective treatment of arthritis patients.
How Can Rheumatology EMR Software Help Treatments
One of the biggest advantages of using Rheumatology EMR software is enhanced efficiency. Electronic Medical Records solutions can drastically streamline documentation, easily automate repetitive tasks and reduce paperwork – the less time spent on paperwork is more time spent on your patients’ care.
There are many benefits of using Rheumatology EMR Software Systems such as:
- Streamlined documentation (less prone to errors)
- Reduced paperwork
- Increased efficiency
- Improved care coordination with healthcare teams
- Automated reminders for appointments and medication
- Comprehensive templates
- Integration with imaging and lab systems
- Customizable workflows
- Cloud-based accessibility
- Enhanced data analysis and disease tracking
Rheumatology EMR systems help collect more comprehensive patient information and manage it in a much more streamlined and easier-to-use environment. Being able to access and analyze large amounts of data easily, helps providers to make more well-informed evidence-based decisions.
Conclusion
Rheumatology EMR software has empowered rheumatologists with better tools to treat some of the most painful conditions. As healthcare continues to embrace digital innovation, the integration of advanced technologies will further enhance arthritis management and pave the way for a brighter future for patients and rheumatologists alike.
