Computers that understand speech soon common in ED
Article Abstract:
Physicians, especially in emergency rooms, will soon be using computer systems that will record medical records by transcribing the physician's voice. The speech-recognition systems will allow physicians to dictate a treatment report in two or three minutes. Computerized workstations with voice-recognition equipment cost about $45,000 and are up to 95% accurate. Although many physicians welcome the change, others fear that computerized records may invite overregulation of the physician treatment decisions by hospitals, provider networks or others.
Publication Name: American Medical News
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0001-1843
Year: 1993
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Watching and waiting
Article Abstract:
Hospitals are increasingly placing patients who are not sick enough for hospital admission into less expensive observation units for as long as 24 hours. People with chest pain, abdominal pain, asthma and overdoses are among the types of cases put in observation units. New Physician's Current Procedural Terminology codes are improving physician reimbursement for patient observation, but some doctors are concerned that this added layer of patient care may present communication problems among physicians.
Publication Name: American Medical News
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0001-1843
Year: 1993
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More patients using EDs for nonemergency problems
Article Abstract:
Emergency rooms are increasingly treating non-urgent cases; 43% of emergency room visits were non-urgent in 1990. In addition, 37% of emergency room patients were publicly insured and 20% were uninsured. Because of this trend, hospitals may be unable to cover the costs of indigent patients with fees from the privately insured. In addition, the hospital population is getting older, and an increasing proportion of emergency room patients suffer from serious illnesses.
Publication Name: American Medical News
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0001-1843
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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