The Abstractor
Volume 2, Issue 3: 9/29/15
Bi-Weeekly Focus: Copy & Paste - makes things easier...NOT ALWAYS!
As you follow the patient throughout their visit, documentation of the critical elements in the EMR is super important. Often times, we use copy & paste to make our documentation easier or faster. However, sometimes we really need to read what was already written and only add the new information because things have changed.
I have witnessed some not-so-good copy & pasting a few times. I have read where a patient has had treatment and is now ambulating with a device. However, the copied information states otherwise. Who is correct? What should I document on the data collection forms?
I have seen where one person documents that a patient is left handed. However, another person recorded they were right handed. What should I record?
This does not happen often, but when it does, it can be confusing and causes more time for me to figure out which information I should use.
So bottom line: be careful when copying & pasting existing exam notes, or progress notes, and ensure the information you are copying & pasting is accurate across the board.
Our databases are only as good as our documentation within the EMR.
Words to think about!
REMEMBER:
~~~~~ Is this true? Maybe al little? ~~~~~
