EMR vs EHR: What’s the Difference?
It is common for electronic medical record (EMR) and electronic health record (EHR) to be used interchangeably. Though recently, the term EHR has been gaining in popularity. While both EMRs and EHRs serve similar purposes, to be an electronic record of a patient’s care, there are some key differences that distinguish these two terms.
What is the definition of an EMR (electronic medical record)?
An EMR is a patient’s digital chart. It’s a collection of patient information that can include:
- Diagnoses,
- Immunizations
- Treatments
- Allergies
- Notes
- Medication information,
- Lab results
As well as other relevant data crucial to a patient’s care. EMRs stay within the practice and are a useful tool when accessing a patient’s information. As such, EMRs cannot be transferred from one practice to another.
What is the definition of an EHR (electronic health record)?
On the other hand, an Electronic Health Record (EHR) is more comprehensive than an EMR. It contains much of the information as an EMR but, as it can be moved between hospitals and clinics it is a more thorough account of a patient and includes information beyond a single practice. An EHR can be maintained by several different providers, whereas an EMR is solely maintained by one. An EHR can contain data regarding various clinics, hospitals, laboratories, medications, and pharmacies, as well as other providers. This is a more holistic view of a patient’s record, encompassing many aspects of their care.
Another key difference is that EHRs are designed to be interoperable, meaning that different systems can share data with each other. This is important as EHRs may need to be updated by many different parties across several systems.
Differences between EHR and EMR
While there is a lot of overlap between these two systems there are some main differences.
Scope of information: EHRs contain more of a patient’s information than an EMR. An EMR is confined to a single practice while an EHR will have a more comprehensive view of a patient’s medical record including historical data. An EMR may not contain information before the patient came to a practice. Meanwhile, an EHR will have all the pieces of a patient’s information on hand. This may make it easier to receive treatment.
Access: EMRs are only accessible within a practice. The data is often hosted within the provider’s office and doesn’t move elsewhere, though some EMRs are cloud-based. EHRs are designed to travel across different organizations. EHRs utilize cloud-based servers and can be accessed from various locations. As a result of this access, other providers are able to update the EHR and keep information current and complete. There are no missing pieces. This is important for a patient who is receiving care at multiple clinics.
Interoperability: EHRs are interoperable, meaning that they can work across various systems. Patient records can easily migrate across systems. EMRs are not usually interoperable and patient information is harder to share with other providers and hospitals when the need arises. EMRs are designed to stay on one system.
What are the advantages of an EMR and EHR?
Utilizing an EMR in a practice provides a lot of benefits for both patients and providers.
For patients benefits of an EMR can include:
- Access to health records via a portal from their clinic.
- Tracking results over time.
- Notifications when they are due for a screening or visit.
- Reduction of errors on their records.
- Security of their medical records.
For providers EMRs can offer the following benefits:
- Space saved by reducing paper records.
- Time saved collecting and collating patient records.
- Increased patient privacy.
- Ease of sharing patient information with hospitals and other labs when needed.
- Fewer errors in recording patient’s information.
- No risk of having records damaged or lost.
EMRs can also provide benefits beyond the administrative. Some EMR systems can provide information if certain prescribed drugs interact with each other, ensuring patients receive the best care.
With an EHR a patient’s record can be made available quickly. Gone are the days of waiting for information to be collected and sent over. This ease of record transmission means patients can be treated immediately and care providers have the fullest understanding of a patient’s history.
Disadvantages of an EMR and EHR?
While there are many advantages to an EMR system, the implementation of an EMR and EHR can be costly. Any new system usually comes with a significant cost. Costs are not just related to the software and hardware investment, but also training.
An improperly maintained records system won’t help either the patients or the practice. So training is vital.
Additionally as there are various systems available, deciding on the perfect solution for a provider may be an overwhelming decision. However, there are many great options in selecting the right EMR for a practice.
Conclusion
EMRs and EHRs have many similarities and both work to solve the same problem, keeping a patient’s record accurate and easily accessible. Both EMRs and EHRs are essential to running a modern practice. Keeping patient information in an EMR is going to both ensure accuracy and successful treatment outcomes. On the administration side, an EMR can be useful in processing billing and reducing time spent looking for paper records. Understanding the key differences can help navigating across various platforms and understanding what to request from other care providers.
References:
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/electronic-medical-record
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/what-is-an-emr/