Almost 5,500 doctors now manage patients’ health information electronically, allowing more than 5 million Ontarians to benefit from having an electronic medical record – an increase of more than 80 per cent in just one year.With electronic medical records, patients can be confident that their doctors will be able to access their information, such as their latest lab results, quickly and easily.  Patient safety is enhanced by electronic records because they help doctors prevent medication errors when writing and renewing prescriptions and enable doctors to provide more preventative care.

Electronic medical records can also eliminate duplication of effort during a patient’s visit by providing secure access to standardized information. In addition, doctors can receive information from hospitals and labs faster, allowing for better coordination of care among health care professionals.

Investing in electronic medical records is part of the province’s Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services while improving quality and accountability for patients.