Electronic Medical Records

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The use of electronic medical records is gaining momentum in health care. There are many reasons for this. Perhaps the biggest is the fact that the government is behind it and initially helping to fund the effort.

In a few years there will be financial penalties. But as far as patients are concerned electronic records help your doctor to follow up on lab tests, office visits and even hospitalizations. The down side is instead of everyone using one system there are multiple ones out there. In many cases the computers can't talk to each other which makes a barrier.

Remember it is early. Electronic medical records in hospitals and doctors' offices are like driving a model T. There is a long way to go.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor