Global Telemedicine advocates that hospital adopt electronic medical records (EMR). An EMR system makes telemedicine more effective because data can be exchanged and updated more efficiently than with other means of communicating a patient’s condition. Using an EMR increases the chances of an accurate diagnosis and best possible treatment plan.
Faxes and photos of paper records are better than nothing, but electronic records are better.
Dr. Gude, Medical Director of Global OffSite Care, has worked with all the major electronic record systems in the United States. They are all works in progress, but they are pretty good. The biggest drawback is the tremendous cost to license the software.
There are low cost options and Dr. Gude has connections with one that he plays a role in designing and recommends. Contact Global OffSite Care for further information.