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Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). MS damages the insulated covering of nerve cells, known as the myelin sheath. This disrupts the flow of electrical impulses and hinders the ability of the nervous system to communicate with different components of the human body effectively. In extreme cases, MS can have dire consequences as the human body loses its ability to function properly.

MS is a growing disorder in the United States, with an estimated 1 million people affected by it. Considering that the causes of the disease are poorly understood, and there is no known cure, it is important to have a system that helps in understanding this disease and makes life better for people with MS. Having an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system implemented in an MS facility benefits everyone in the healthcare ecosystem – patients in particular. 

EHR has improved patient care by:
1. Allowing early detection of the disease
2. Reducing cases of re-admission
3. Showing complete medical history
4. Simplifying appointment scheduling
5. Allowing long-distance patient care
6. Improving patient-provider relationship
7. Improving patient safety

1. Allowing early detection of the disease
It is important that an MS case is identified at its most initial phase. An EHR system takes into account the entire clinical history of a patient and detects when the vital signs and clinical readings are deviating from the usual standards. This process assists in identifying an MS case at an early stage.

2. Reducing instances of re-admission
Although the signs and symptoms of MS can reappear anytime, using an EHR significantly reduces the likelihood of an immediate re-admission. Re-admission can be difficult for MS patients. Using an EHR, the vitals readings are constantly monitored, and the patient is discharged only when there is significant improvement in his health and the chances of readmission are minimal.

3. Showing complete medical history
Most modern EHRs come preloaded with a feature known as patient portal. This is a platform for patients to view their clinical data, prescriptions, progress notes, and other health information. Being able to view all their information allows the patient to monitor their medical condition voluntarily, on their smartphones.

4. Simplifying appointment scheduling
Using an EHR makes it easy for patients to schedule their appointments with the practitioner. In the pre-EHR days, patients had to visit the provider and wait for their turn physically. Using an EHR, a patient can schedule an appointment in a matter of seconds.

5. Allowing long-distance patient care
Telehealth is an emerging concept in healthcare, where a patient does not need to visit the premises of a practice physically. Instead, he can use a digital interface to connect with the provider and get checked-up at his home. Using EHR helps people with MS obtain medical consultancy at their convenience.

6. Improving patient-provider relationship
EHR improves the long-distance relationship between the provider and his patient. Most patient portals have a live chat option, in which a patient can directly message his provider to get instant replies to his queries. EHR acts as a medium for patients to connect to their respective providers and discuss their medical condition whenever they wish to.

7. Improving patient safety
Using an EHR has a significant effect on improving patient safety. Most importantly, the issue of illegible handwriting gets resolved for good. In handwritten prescriptions, chances are there that an error in interpreting the handwriting may happen. On a digital platform, this problem becomes null and void. EHR also allows the patient to get updated prescriptions from their provider on a real-time basis.

Conclusion
MS has been a headache for quite some time. EHRs were introduced to understand the healthcare ecosystem in a broader perspective and makes it possible to develop a step-by-step interrelationship between all the variables – ultimately benefiting millions of MS patients.