Transitions in the medical office

By 2015, the government plans to enforce the transition to electronic patient records. The administration’s policy will result in consolidation in healthcare. Medical offices that cannot afford the expense will be forced to join larger practices. Those that do adopt the plan will have some major changes to their work environment. As architects and designers, we can facilitate this adjustment period by redesigning medical offices and exam rooms. There is no longer a need for office space to store records and there is a need to increase space in exam rooms to accommodate the doctor’s transportable station or WOWs (wireless on wheels). Improving efficiency will be essential for healthcare providers.