A single concept developed by Dr. Henry Plummer, the modern medical record, revolutionized the practice of medicine. Medical data and reports for each patient are kept in a single file that is linked to an identification number and stored in a central repository. Today, Mayo Clinic has data on more than six million patients -- a Fort Knox of medical information that helps us provide the best care to each patient and find better ways of diagnosing, treating and preventing illness. Of course, today's records are all computerized.

1907

Medical Records at Mayo Creating the centralized medical record to improve patient care.