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.

Electronic computers, Usage, Technology application, Medical records, Voice I/O equipment

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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.

Care and treatment, Patients, Patient care

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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.

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