Advantages:
- All data is in the electronic record.
- Old paper charts can be stored securely off site.
Disadvantages:
- Data is stored in a graphical format (i.e. PDF) and can not be searched by using keywords.
- Requires sorting the files after they have been scanned and placing in appropriate areas of the EHR record (ie labs, xray report, H&P, admin, etc).
Matt Levin, MD, Monroeville, PA says:
"My contention is that it's easier to scan almost all, store original, and then destroy per state law.
I'll be starting to scan to PDF format within the next one to two months, as I reclaim many 60+ year olds from my prior practice, and our space runs out. Ultimately, I plan to transfer these scans to the EMR when the new version of [my software] comes out and has a good assignment tool (import tool) for scanning. I will have a server for file residence, or disc or other computer for this to be sure I don't overstress the software."