Final answer:
Electronic imaging record keeping can indeed store prescriptions, improving healthcare quality and cost efficiency while ensuring sensitive data privacy remains a concern. Electronic health records, including prescriptions, facilitate better monitoring of medication use and patient care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, electronic imaging record keeping can be used to store prescriptions. This method of preserving medical records, including prescriptions for medications, is becoming increasingly common in the healthcare industry. The advent of electronic health records (EHRs) has enabled the sharing of digital records among health providers, potentially improving the quality and reducing healthcare costs in the U.S. A notable example of electronic prescriptions is for opioids, as discussed by Gawande in 2017, which highlights the importance of adopting secure electronic prescriptions.
Despite the benefits, the privacy of electronic health records is a primary concern. Policies must consider questions like: How can we balance the cost-effectiveness of treatments with patient quality of life and privacy? What security measures can ensure confidentiality of electronic prescriptions? And, how can we prevent unauthorized access to sensitive medical information?
In terms of technological capability, the storage of digital medical images and records is straightforward, much like how high-resolution 3-D holographic images of internal organs are stored for future reference. Similarly, the electronic storage of prescription information is not only feasible but also allows for better monitoring and management of patient medication regimens.