Hospital record access: a game-changer for general practitioners

door nexuzhealth op 22.4.2025

The pressure on primary care has never been higher. With shorter hospital stays, general practitioners (GPs) and home nurses play an even more crucial role in patient follow-up. At the same time, communication between hospitals and primary care is often inefficient. GPs receive reports too late or not at all, essential medical information remains scattered across different systems, and unnecessary duplicate work is common. The good news? Technology can help improve collaboration among healthcare professionals.

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In this blog, we explore how access to electronic health records (EHR) and improved data exchange contribute to more efficient and safer care. We highlight the GP’s role as a key figure in the patient care ecosystem and demonstrate how access to the right data at the right time not only saves time but also reduces medical errors and improves care quality.
 

The general practitioner as the central figure in patient care

As the first point of contact for patients, GPs play a vital role in coordinating care. From referrals and follow-ups to medication management, working efficiently is impossible without the right information.
Currently, information exchange between GPs and hospitals is not always optimal. Reports and lab results are sometimes still sent by mail, making processing time-consuming and increasing the risk of lost information. Additionally, there is often no structured way to share data with home nurses and other caregivers.
 
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Why access to hospital records is essential

Efficient collaboration between primary and secondary care starts with seamless access to patient data.
 
When GPs can view validated medical reports, medication schedules, and technical examinations, they can:
 
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Make faster and more accurate diagnoses

Make faster and more accurate diagnoses
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Avoid unnecessary duplicate tests

Avoid unnecessary duplicate tests
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Improve patient follow-up after hospital discharge

Improve patient follow-up after hospital discharge
For other primary care providers—such as home nurses and physiotherapists—this data is equally crucial. Consider post-operative wound care or rehabilitation plans that can be better coordinated when the correct information is readily available. The information is always tailored to the target group: for instance, a physiotherapist sees less than a GP.
 
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Lower risk of medical errors

With digital access to hospital records, GPs always have the most up-to-date patient information. This reduces the risk of errors, such as prescribing medication that is incompatible with an existing treatment.
 
 

Faster interventions in case of complications

If a patient develops unexpected complications after a procedure, the GP must act quickly. Instead of waiting for paper reports or phone confirmations, the GP can immediately access the medical history through the EHR and decide whether a referral is necessary.
 

Patient-centered care

Improved collaboration between hospitals and primary care providers ensures that healthcare professionals have a complete picture of a patient’s medical history. This contributes to a holistic approach that considers all aspects of health.

A GP with insight into a patient’s medical history, lab results, and medication can better coordinate with specialists and develop a tailored care plan.
 
From scattered puzzle pieces to a clear care journey. See how better data sharing and collaboration make all the difference for patients like Josy.
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From scattered puzzle pieces to a clear care journey. See how better data sharing and collaboration make all the difference for patients like Josy.

Read more

 

Less administration

Administrative workload in primary care is continuously increasing. A significant amount of time is spent collecting medical information, processing documents, and coordinating care among different providers.
With a digitally accessible patient record, GPs can quickly find the necessary information, reducing the time spent on searching for data. This means more time for patient care and less administrative hassle.

A concrete example: a patient visits a GP a few days after gallbladder surgery, complaining of abdominal pain. Thanks to hospital record access, the GP can immediately review the surgical report, lab results, and discharge letter. Any complications during surgery are also visible, allowing the GP to determine immediately whether additional examinations are needed.
 
 

Smoother referrals and follow-ups

When a GP needs to refer a patient to a specialist, a standardized system ensures that all relevant information is immediately available. This prevents unnecessary duplicate tests and ensures that patients receive appropriate care more quickly.

Upon hospital discharge, a GP can also see which treatments and medications have been prescribed, enabling them to establish a correct follow-up plan immediately.
 

Technology as a facilitator

A digital system that securely and GDPR-compliantly shares data between hospitals and GPs is now essential for efficient healthcare. Standardized exchange protocols such as FHIR, LOINC, and SNOMED CT ensure structured and uniform data transfer, facilitating collaboration and continuity of care.
 
 
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Secure access

Many healthcare providers are concerned about privacy and data security. In a hospital record, only healthcare providers with an active therapeutic relationship have access.
 
Veel zorgverleners maken zich zorgen over privacy en gegevensbeveiliging. In een ziekenhuisdossier hebben alleen zorgverleners met een actieve therapeutische relatie toegang.
 

Conclusion: working together for better care

Efficient collaboration between hospitals and primary care is not a luxury but a necessity. GPs must have quick and easy access to medical records to ensure high-quality and safe care. Digital solutions reduce administrative burdens, improve patient safety, and enhance efficiency in healthcare. By investing in better data flow, GPs can continue to play their central role as care coordinators.
 
Would you like to join over 2,000 other GPs in gaining simple and secure access to your patients’ hospital records? Learn more about the free nexuzhealth consult application here.
 
Topics: General Practitioner Medical record

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