Healthcare institutions handle an extensive database. Depending on the size of the hospital, hundreds of people pass through daily, recording personal information and generating a series of data related to clinical procedures. SAME in a hospital is the department responsible for organizing this information.
The SAME (Medical Records and Statistics Service) is in charge of storing all the paper files that accumulate in the hospital year after year. But how can this storage be made more practical and facilitate access to this crucial database for clinical decision-making? That’s what we’ll cover in this content!
What is SAME in a Hospital?
SAME is the department that archives all patient records in the hospital. It is an essential part of hospital management since the archived documents contain critical records of each clinical case and its progress.
However, over time, maintaining effective control of this sector becomes difficult, as physical files can deteriorate. The loss of information can compromise the work of healthcare professionals if they need to attend to the same patient again.
Having the patient’s medical history available improves patient care, optimizing both the team's time and the experience of the patient being treated. Additionally, having a complete record on hand makes clinical decisions more precise and accurate. Medical teams will have prior knowledge of the specific details of each case.
How Does SAME Work in a Hospital?
Typically, SAME operates in a dedicated department with the necessary physical infrastructure to store files: medical records, reports, test results, and other important patient-related documents.
The folders in this archive must be systematically organized to facilitate patient identification and streamline the workflow of hospital teams, from reception to medical consultations.
Today, thanks to technological advancements, digitizing this sector has become a common practice in many healthcare institutions.
The Importance of SAME in a Hospital
One of the major benefits of SAME in hospitals is the ability to record and provide reliable statistical indicators. Many of these data points support scientific research, contributing to the development of important public health policies.
Additionally, having a well-structured SAME department is essential for providing excellent healthcare services. With patient records readily available, care becomes more personalized, empathetic, and patient-centered.
It also speeds up clinical case management and facilitates the implementation of effective Preventive Medicine programs, such as those based on the medical history of a specific group or patient profile.
SAME and Digital Systems: What’s the Connection?
As mentioned, many hospitals today have invested in digitizing their SAME departments. This is due to the rise of digital transformation, which has led to the development of specialized healthcare software in the market. These systems support hospital process flows, from patient admission to discharge, while ensuring proper storage of all medical history data.
The advantages of digitizing SAME are numerous, starting with freeing up physical space in hospitals. There is no need to accumulate paper records and reports anymore.
Another major benefit is data security, as hospital administrators no longer need to worry about the risks of document deterioration. Additionally, this system boosts team productivity, as there will no longer be time wasted searching for information in physical archives.
With just a few clicks, hospital staff can retrieve patient information and access their complete medical history. The result of this process is: More efficient and welcoming patient care, more accurate diagnoses and better collaboration among medical teams. Since the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) can be updated in real time by all healthcare professionals, the specialist’s perspective on each case becomes clearer and more precise.
Another promising advantage of digitalizing SAME in hospitals is the reduction of billing discrepancies. With the traceability and data control provided by specialized software, reception staff can ensure smoother communication with health insurance providers.
Additionally, all procedures, medications, materials, and professional fees that need to be charged to insurers or doctors are automatically recorded in the system, optimizing both accounts payable and receivable processes.
In summary, digitizing SAME benefits everyone involved: Hospital administrators,
medical and administrative teams, and most importantly, patients, who will experience a more streamlined, welcoming, and well-documented clinical journey.
Sobre Pixeon
Pixeon is the company with the largest portfolio of healthcare software solutions.
Our solutions serve hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and diagnostic imaging centers, covering both management (HIS, CIS, RIS, and LIS) and diagnostic processes (PACS and Laboratory Interface), ensuring higher performance and high-level management in healthcare institutions.
The HIS/CIS software for hospitals and clinics, Pixeon Smart, is a comprehensive solution that integrates the entire institution into a single system. It is also certified with the highest level of digital maturity by SBIS (Brazilian Health Informatics Society).
We already serve more than 3,000 clients in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, with millions of patients assisted annually through our platforms.
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