The healthcare industry is large, and the terminology used can be confusing. Some of the most familiar terms are Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Electronic Health Records (EHR).
These two terms are some of the most confusing terms used by the providers in the industry, and oftentimes, they use them interchangeably.
EMR and EHR are quite similar on a base level, but some major differences in functionality set them apart.
They offer various benefits, and EHR, in particular, is much broader and has a deeper scope in the industry.
In this blog, we will know exactly what is EMR and EHR. Along with that, we will also know what are their unique features and differences that set them apart.
Traditionally, when a patient first comes to a clinic, their basic information is noted in a paper chart.
In an EMR, the medical history of the patient is recorded digitally and stored on a cloud-based platform. It is often maintained by a single provider.
It contains crucial patient information like medications, allergies, immunizations, radiology reports, lab reports, visits, etc.
Over the years, EMRs have become more personalized, and adapting to a single healthcare facility has started to include billing and insurance information as well.
In an EHR, the medical history of the patient is recorded and maintained by multiple healthcare providers.
It is not limited to a single healthcare facility or clinic, and the information is stored on a cloud-based platform.
Just like EMR, it contains patient information like medications, allergies, radiology reports, lab reports, visits, etc.
Along with that, a distinct feature of an EHR is that it can be easily and securely shared across different care providers.
EMRs and EHRs, on a base level, are very much like each other. They both store information electronically and are used to streamline the operations in healthcare facilities.
However, in an EMR software development, the system is designed to maintain the records for only a single provider.
Whereas in EHR software development, the system is designed to maintain records by multiple healthcare providers.
EHRs usually have a broader perspective, and EMRs are mainly used by providers to provide diagnosis and treatment.
The major differences come in its functionality and designs.
EHR systems are designed to be interoperable, which means they easily allow the exchange and use of information between different systems.
For example, if a patient decides to consult another provider, then with an EHR system, accessing that patient’s medical history becomes much easier.
With EHR software, the provider can easily assess the patient’s previous medical history, including the services provided to the patient by the previous provider.
The interchangeability of EMRs and EHRs has blurred the lines between their differences.
Despite this, both play a very important role in the healthcare industry.
Providers have efficiently used EMRs and EHRs to provide better diagnoses and quicker treatment.
EMRs are used by providers to store a patient’s medical industry in one place.
This helps the providers to improve the quality of care.
Even if a patient visits a different provider, the information can be easily accessed unless the provider is in the same network of clinics.
Due to this, EMR is a perfect solution for small practices.
Now, from a broader perspective, EHRs come in handy for providers as it gives them access to the patient’s complete medical history.
It helps the provider to make informed decisions about the patient.
Along with that, with EHR giving access to all the lab and radiology reports, providing better care becomes easier for providers.
Significant time and effort are saved with an EHR of both patient and provider.
EHRs also act as a powerful tool in improving patient engagement.
It has effectively bridged the communication gaps between patient and provider.
Furthermore, EHRs offer flexibility in their development and multiple customization options.
Both EMR and EHR have enhanced the quality of care provided in the healthcare industry.
They have made diagnoses faster and treatments quicker.
Due to the integration of EMR and EHR systems in healthcare facilities, doctors can today make better healthcare decisions faster.
In a nutshell, the most distinguishing difference between EMR and EHR is that an EMR is suitable for an individual or small clinic, whereas an EHR is used in larger healthcare organizations.
Apart from that, EHR/EMR allows the patient to carry their medical history with them to different healthcare providers.
This includes specialists, labs, radiologists, pharmacies, and many more.
EHRs are designed to provide the entire medical history of the patient without any geographical barrier.
In the case of adopting an EHR or EMR system, it is important to understand the needs and choose the one that suits best.
Both of these systems have enhanced the healthcare industry and are used by providers across the state to provide better and faster healthcare facilities.
