Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Electronic Health Records (EHR) are two distinct computerized medical records that can assist you in managing a patient’s health information. The differences between the two are minor but having an intricate understanding of each will assist you in selecting the best one for your medical practice.
What is an EHR?
Electronic Health Records (EHR): An EHR is a complete record of a patient’s health information that includes demographic details, current and historic medical conditions, treatment and medication history. EHRs are designed to allow users to access patient records from any remote location, securely share information, and track family medical history, allergies/medical conditions, and more.
Benefits of an EHR for practices:
- Streamline office management
- Digital charts
- Quickly transfer data in and out of your practice
- Increase patient engagement and compliance among your patients
- Increase patient safety with reduction in medical errors
- Receive EHR incentives through CMS programs when meeting certain measures
- Close gaps in care
Benefits of an EHR for patients:
- Eliminate redundant paperwork and duplicated tests
- Reduce medical errors
- Improve patient care measurably
- Enhanced patient health data security and privacy
- Coordinate care among healthcare providers
- Access to patient health records
What is an EMR?
Electronic Medical Records (EMR): EMR is a digital version of patient medical records stored within a computer. It helps maintain an organized record-keeping system for patient health details such as current and historic diagnoses, lab reports, medications, etc. Unlike an EHR, EMRs do not offer remote access features but they do allow fast retrieval of data among medical staff. An EMR is generally utilized by smaller clinics or offices that have fewer patients.
Benefits of an EMR for practices:
- Quickly transfer patient data from one department to another
- Increase the number of patients served per day for enhanced patient workflow and increased productivity
- Improve results management and patient care with a reduction in medical errors
- Reduce operational costs such as transcription services and overtime labor expenses
- Customizable and scalable electronic medical records grow with your practice
- e-Prescribing and clinical documentation capabilities
Benefits of an EMR for patients:
- Reduce medical errors
- Improve treatment and diagnosis
- Identify required screenings and preventive care
- Receive follow-up support like reminders, weblinks and self-care suggestions
- Access to patient health records
Primary Differences between EHRs and EMRs
An EMR is a digital version of patient information charts, while an EHR is a more expansive record of health information that includes demographics, current and historic medical conditions, treatment history, and medication history.
- An EHR is a digital record of patient health information
- An EMR is a digital version of a patient chart
- An EHR can streamline updated, real-time information sharing with other providers and other clinical systems
- An EMR is not designed to share information outside the individual practice.
- An EHR offers remote access which helps you share data with other users from any location
- An EMR lacks this feature
It is important to understand the differences between EMRs and EHRs and the benefits of each before implementing one. If you are looking for a digital option that offers remote access, enhanced security features, with the ability to view a patient’s complete health journey, select an EHR. On the other hand, if your practice only needs patient information stored in a computer system without remote access, focusing on a patient’s treatment received solely at your facility, select an EMR.
Want to learn more about how an EHR or EMR can transform your practice? Connect with our experts today.
