Which of the following is a benefit of electronic health records (EHRs) that a nurse should educate patients about?

Educating patients about electronic health records (EHRs) involves highlighting key benefits that directly impact their healthcare experience. One important benefit is that EHRs help obtain Medicare and Medicaid payments. This aspect is crucial as EHRs streamline the process of billing and reimbursement, making it easier for healthcare providers to submit claims accurately and efficiently.

By leveraging EHRs, healthcare organizations can ensure that they are complying with regulatory requirements, which is essential for receiving appropriate payments from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This, in turn, helps maintain the financial viability of the healthcare facility, ultimately impacting the quality of care that patients receive.

In contrast, while other choices mention relevant aspects of EHR functionality, they may not resonate as directly with patients regarding their personal care experience. For instance, teaching about food interactions with medications and providing prescriptions online are certainly valuable, but they typically emphasize the operational side of healthcare rather than the more systemic benefits associated with payment processes. Similarly, reducing medication ordering costs is beneficial but often relates more to the administrative aspects rather than patient-focused education. Therefore, focusing on EHRs' role in securing reimbursements provides patients with a clearer understanding of how these records ensure access to continuous and effective care.