As to the need for medical records to be computerized.....

You're in a car accident 1200 miles from your house.

You need med treatment NOW.

Someone punches in your record ID pulls up the fact that you're allergic to antibiotic XYZ, and stops the med you were about to be prescribed.

OR.......

They can't get to your record, you're allergic to the med the give you in the IV, and you go into a seizure and die.

Take your pick. I know which one I'd chose.