Computer-aided documentation : quality, productivity, coding, and enhanced reimbursement

Physicians currently use technology, where appropriate, to improve patient care, for example, MRI and three-dimensional radiotherapy dose planning. One area that has seen limited benefit from current technology is in documenting of medical information. Review of related literature and directed interviews. Technology is available to assist in documenting the initial patient encounter. Patient care, quality of practice, and reimbursement may be improved with careful implementation. It will be worthwhile for practices to examine how to implement this technology to obtain the potential benefits.