The medical field is filled with abbreviations and acronyms, and at times, it gets confusing. Many of these terms are so close in meaning, they seem interchangeable. But even when they are very similar, there are key differences to be aware of.
Electronic medical records (EMRs) and electronic health records (EHRs) are two terms that often get confused. They’re both important pieces of technology that have different functions. This blog post will define these two terms, explore the benefits of each, and explain how they are different from one another so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your practice!
What Is an Electronic Medical Record?
An electronic medical record (EMR) is a system used to store and organize data about patient care. EMRs allow healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dietitians/nutritionists or therapists to digitize their paper records into an online format and make them more accessible within their practice.
What Is Electronic Health Record?
What’s the difference between EHR and EMR? Electronic health records (EHRs) are a more specific type of record that includes electronic data from patient encounters, administrative information about the practice, and billing. EHR is also different from an EMR in that it goes beyond just the medical aspects to take a more holistic look at the patient.
EHRs are also designed to be shared among providers. This allows for collaborative treatment while still being within the bounds of HIPAA laws. As a result, it is easier for doctors to see things that would otherwise be missed and make important connections that aid in a diagnosis.
Which Is Better: EMR or EHR?
Both EMRs and EHRs can improve the quality of care patients receive as well as increase a practice’s efficiency. The difference between the two comes down to how they are best utilized for each individual or group. For example, an emergency room would benefit from using an EHR system because it allows every doctor treating a patient to have access to the same information.
However, certain types of private practices might not need that level of access to all their patient records and would benefit more from
EMR integration with limited sharing capabilities.
No matter which is right for you,
Guideway Care offers the platforms that will make your medical records work for you. To learn more,
schedule your consultation or read about the
benefits of an EHR built for innovation.
