EMR vs EHR Software
The healthcare industry has been steadily transitioning from the traditional cumbersome paperwork to digital record keeping in the modern era. The implication of technology across various fields throughout the globe has made it possible for us to do what was once considered heavy tasks, with the utmost ease. Patient record keeping was considered a tough task with several dire liabilities. Hospitals and clinics were facing a hard time looping through the records to search for the data and history of a particular patient. However, today, the EMR and EHR software has made it easy for healthcare professionals.
What is EMR?
EMR refers to the Electronic Medical Record which can be comprehensively seen as a digital version of all the paperwork that one finds in a clinician’s office. It efficiently keeps track of the patient’s medical history and treatment details.
EMR is a software that is designed to help healthcare practitioners access the medical history of their patients. One can easily identify the problems with the patient in the past and the treatment given to them, details about the individuals who are due for checkups, and information regarding the dosage and vaccination.
It is very helpful in monitoring a patient and improving the overall quality of care. However, the problem occurs with electronic medical record software when one has to transfer the data. You cannot share it easily with other consultants. The only way to share data in an EMR is through mail or print.
What is an EHR?
EHR refers to Electronic Health Record that can be perceived as an advanced version of EMR. It offers a wider range of features and functions to utilize and improve medical practices. It is extremely useful and efficient in taking the patient’s data and analyzing it in a broader spectrum.
You will find that sharing data is very easy with the electronic health record software. It is designed in a way that a team of medical specialists can collaborate and work together to help a patient return to good health. Some people consider it as a central database that records the data from all the clinicians and keep it at one place, making it accessible for other providers as well.
What are the features of EMR and EHR?
When we analyze the features of electronic record-keeping software for clinicians, we find that EHRs offer everything that an EMR can offer. But there are features in an EHR that you won’t find in the EMRs.
For instance, an EMR allows a person to create a record of a patient. Once you assign the unique id to an individual, you can update and add more medical data. It permits you to update the medical history of a person, adding details regarding each checkup and medication. Moreover, you have a chance to view the history of a person and see the vaccinations and medications given and for what purpose they were given.
But on the other hand, we have EHRs that offer a wider range of operations. Just like an EMR, you can create, update, and check the medical record of a person. However, you can also add lab data and imaging data that include blood test reports, CT scans, ultrasounds, X-ray imaging, etc. Along with it, the demographic data gives you an option of analyzing the patient’s medical history in a better way.
Ultimately, EHRs give you a chance for interoperability which is not present in EMRs. But that does not suggest by any means that EHRs are always a better choice than EMRs. It depends on what you need.
What is the difference between EMR and EHR?
EMR and EHR are two types of software that we use for record-keeping purposes in clinics and medical facilities. When we discuss EMR vs EHR, it is mainly regarding the differences between the two. Stating briefly, EMR provides a short overview of the medical history of a patient whereas EHR gives you an option to store data in a broader spectrum and perform in-depth analysis on it.
Most of the time, clinicians use EMR to diagnose and treat patients and keep the relevant record. You cannot share the information outside of the individual practice, which makes it hard to consider the opinion of other experts.
However, the EHR gives you an option of sharing the information of a patient with other authorized staff. You can keep all the data, including the reports, tests, and other records at one place and make it accessible for other medical experts without any trouble.
EHR vs. EMR: Which one to choose?
When you hear Electronic Health Record Software and Electronic Medical Record Software, it is hard to distinguish between the two. Despite looking at the features, some clinicians and hospitals find it hard to select the right system for their practice.
The choice of a record-keeping system is one of the biggest and toughest decisions for any healthcare organization. Whether it is a hospital, a clinic, or any other place, you need to consider your requirements and system in place when making the selection.
Start by considering whether you need a centralized system for all doctors or dedicated software for each practitioner. If you want to keep things together at one place and assure that the record of a patient is accessible by any doctor in the facility, you can go for the EHR. However, if you are looking for a dedicated system that only keeps information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of a patient, you may like to acquire EMR.
Why must you move on to electronic records?
Considering the EMR vs. EHR, it is all about moving to an electronic record system and bidding farewell to the paper records. In today’s digitized age, it has become a necessity. The electronic records are fast and secure, providing you an opportunity to update the information and access it in no time. It also eliminates the chances of duplication, and you’ll have to spend less time and money in maintaining the records of your patients.
But before you choose any software, make sure that you consider your needs and select the one that addresses your requirements appropriately for a smoother, more successful medical practice.
