EMR is an acronym for Electronic Medical Record, and EHR is an acronym for Electronic Health Record. If they’re both electronic health records, why do they have a different word in the middle? Is there a difference between an EMR and an EHR? There is a difference, and we’ll explain it here.
What is an EMR?
An electronic medical record, as the name implies, is the digital equivalent of a paper record. Like a paper record, this type of medical record typically contains general information, such as treatment and medical history, about a patient as it is collected by the individual medical practice.
This type of medical record offers a few important advantages when compared with traditional paper records. They allow more than one person to use a patient’s chart, are usually better organized than paper records, eliminate illegible handwriting, and allow storage of more information.
What is an EHR?
An electronic health record is different in one important way: it can be shared with other providers across more than one healthcare organization. In fact, they’re built to be shared, so they contain information from all clinicians involved in a patient’s care.
Electronic health records can offer several benefits for the healthcare providers and the patient. They can help lower the chances of medical errors, prevent duplicate tests, and possibly improve the overall quality of care. They deliver these advantages because they help providers have the same up-to-date information about conditions, treatments, tests, and prescriptions.
Other important information about EMRs and EHRs
It’s important to note that many people do not fully understand the distinction between electronic medical records and electronic health records. As a result, many people wonder which term is correct. The confusion is not limited to laypeople: even those in the health professions who use the technology daily tend to confuse electronic health records and electronic medical records, perhaps using the two terms interchangeably.
As noted above, EMRs and EHRs offer numerous benefits; however, there are some drawbacks, as well. For example, the start-up costs to cover hardware, software, and employee training can be significant; in addition, they run the risk of software malfunction and data loss.
Are you ready for your next assignment?
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. We’d love to help you find your next assignment, where you may have the opportunity to work with EMRs, EHRs, or both. Give us a call at 310.436.3650 so we can get started.