3 Key Differences between EHRs and EMRs
EHR stands for electronic health records. It presents actual patient-centered data that makes instant availability of information safe to accredited users. These electronic medical records encompass the treatment and medical histories of the patients. Therefore, it is created with a view to going beyond normal clinical information gathered in a doctor’s office. In other words, it presents a broader view of patient care. EHRs play an important role in healthcare IT. In fact, doctors and hospitals look for EHR software companies to streamline patients’ data. This is because:
· It incorporates the medical history of a patient, test and laboratory results, radiology images, allergies, immunization dates, treatment plans, medication, and diagnoses.
· It gives access to evidence-based tools that doctors can utilize to make a decision regarding patient care.
· It also streamlines and automates doctor’s workflow.
EMRs stand for electronic medical records. It contains information and notes gathered for and by the clinician in that hospital, clinic, or office. It is popular amongst doctors for treatment and diagnosis purposes. EMRs hold a superior value in comparison to paper records. This is because they allow the doctors to:
· To trace data over time
· Select patients for precautionary screenings and visits
· Observe patients
· Enhance the quality of healthcare being provided
EHRs vs. EMRs: What Are The Three Main Differences?
Keeping this scenario in mind, we are presenting you with three main differences between EHRs and EMRs.
1. Interoperability
EHRs are used to perform various functions like results management, analytics, and reporting, medication and documentation management to support clinical decisions. EHRs are known to communicate with other systems also.
2. Accessibility
It is another main difference EMRs and EHRs. EMRs are not accessible by the patients. Whereas, EHRs can be accessed by the patients and the digital download version will also be available soon. The availability comes from interoperability in HER. As a result, it requires the standardization of records. Nowadays, there is a requirement for systems to communicate in a common format. This is the point where HL7 is incorporated. This is because; the standardized format is used to send data.
3. Security
It is given extreme importance by EHR software companies. This is because; EHR is a bigger target for hackers from the cyber security viewpoint. This system entails the complete journey of the patients as their treatment progresses. Now EHR cannot be accessed by the patients, therefore it will be difficult for the hackers who want to steal the information. EHRs provide an attractive target for the hackers who want to get data they can sell, steal, and ransom.
Choosing The Correct Medical Record For Your Healthcare Organization
EHRs and EMRs play an important role in providing value for healthcare organizations. In the majority of the cases, both types are incorporated within one medical practice. This is also dependent on the purpose and the nature of the patient data being recorded.
Larger healthcare organizations and hospitals utilize EHRs to offer a complete view of patient care. Perhaps, they can also select EMRs to trace a particular patient’s data with the passage of time. This will assist them to develop health plans that are specific for the patients. EHRs are perfect to facilitate data sharing across various levels of a healthcare organization with increasing operational difficulty. These levels include:
· Management teams
· Nurses
· Specialist doctors
Therefore, the organizations should opt for EMRs and EHRs depending upon their set of requirements.