How EMR (Electronic Medical Record) Errors Can Lead To Malpractice Claims
Designed to improve patient safety, streamline healthcare, and reduce human error, Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are the preferred documentation choice for many healthcare communities. But like any system, they’re only as accurate and effective as the people using them.
While EMRs reduce paper clutter and offer better data access, they’ve also introduced new forms of risk. This includes copy-paste shortcuts, software glitches, and lapses in updating key information. For injured patients, these digital missteps can have life-altering consequences. If you believe poor records contributed to harm you sustained, connect with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer.
Legal Implications of EMR Mistakes
Should an EMR error cause or contribute to a patient’s injury, it may form the basis of a medical malpractice claim. Maryland law requires that plaintiffs prove the healthcare provider breached the accepted standard of care and that the breach directly caused harm. EMR mistakes often come into play when a diagnosis is delayed or missed due to outdated or missing information.
Also, claims are possible when a patient was harmed by a drug interaction or an allergy was not properly documented. Or, when follow-up care was neglected because test results were not flagged appropriately. This could happen due to any of the following.
- Outdated notes. To save time, some providers use the copy-and-paste function in EMRs to carry over previous entries into new patient records. While this may seem harmless, it can propagate incorrect information, such as prior medication lists or diagnostic impressions that are no longer valid.
- Incorrect medication histories. A mistyped dose, a failure to remove a discontinued drug, or an unrecorded allergy can have catastrophic effects. For example, a patient could receive a medication that interacts dangerously with something they’re already taking, or they may be given a drug they’ve had a documented allergic reaction to.
- Failure to update. If a test result is recorded but not reviewed or updated in the patient’s chart, it may lead to missed diagnoses. A delay in recognizing abnormal labs or imaging can mean the difference between early treatment and advanced-stage disease.
- System access errors. In some cases, multiple providers might be using the system simultaneously, leading to overwritten or lost notes. Others may chart under the wrong patient file, resulting in treatments being administered to the wrong person altogether.
If you suspect an EMR mistake caused or worsened your injury, it’s essential to consult a medical malpractice lawyer. These cases often require expert testimony, detailed audits and strategic investigation.
Reviewing Your Recovery Options
EMRs are powerful tools, but they can also become a silent source of harm. If your injury or illness worsened because of a charting error, medication mix-up, or diagnostic delay, you may have legal options for recovery. Speak with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Where are you in the medical recovery process? Faulty records may be a key piece of evidence, talk to the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP if you were harmed in a healthcare environment. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.
