When documents are faxed from an outside facility, what happens to them after the EMR is implemented?

When documents are faxed from an outside facility after the implementation of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, the standard procedure is to scan them into the patient's EMR. This ensures that all patient-related information is centralized and easily accessible in a digital format, which enhances the efficiency of medical record-keeping and improves the overall quality of care. Scanning the documents into the EMR creates a permanent digital record, allowing for easier retrieval, sharing among healthcare providers, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements regarding medical documentation.

Additionally, this process supports interoperability and continuity of care, as healthcare providers can access and review comprehensive patient histories electronically, rather than relying on a physical chart. It ultimately streamlines workflows and helps maintain accurate patient records over time. Other storage methods, such as filing in a physical chart or storing in a separate database, would not align with the best practices advocated by modern healthcare systems prioritizing efficiency and digital record-keeping. Discarding documents would compromise the integrity of the patient’s health information and is not a responsible practice in healthcare settings.