What role does the electronic health record (EHR) play in Telehealth?

The electronic health record (EHR) plays a crucial role in Telehealth by serving as a central point for documenting patient interactions and facilitating care continuity. This centralization is vital in a Telehealth setting, where healthcare providers may interact with patients remotely. The EHR allows providers to maintain comprehensive records of each patient's health history, medications, treatment plans, and previous consultations, which are essential for delivering consistent and coordinated care.

Moreover, the EHR enables various healthcare providers to access patient information efficiently, ensuring that everyone involved in a patient's care has the most up-to-date and relevant information. This access helps in making informed clinical decisions and enhances collaboration among providers, which is especially important in Telehealth where physical examinations may be limited, and providers rely on documented data to guide their assessments.

By promoting care continuity, the EHR effectively supports a Telehealth model, helping to minimize gaps in communication and ensuring that the patient's care is seamless regardless of the setting in which it occurs.