In the medical field, you can often find abbreviations such as EHR and EMR. Many people mistakenly call and use these concepts as synonyms. And although there is quite a lot in common between them, these are different concepts and solutions.
If you turn to those who know all about EHR system development, they will be able to give a short but very clear answer. EHR stands for all electronic health records, and EMR stands only for medical records. Still, some people get the impression that everything is the same. In fact, the first solution has a broader scope of application. It is worth considering these concepts in more detail.
Understanding EMR
An EMR can be described as an electronic type medical record. Only one healthcare provider maintains records. Patient information typically contains complete data about medications taken, different vaccinations, some allergies, laboratory tests, hospital visit records, etc. Some electronic systems also allow you to include health insurance and payment information.
Briefly about EHR
In this case, we are talking about a medical history maintained and available to several medical service providers simultaneously. The program stores similar information as in the previous case. It also applies to payment information, insurance information, etc.
What are the main differences?
From the description above, it becomes apparent how these two systems differ from each other. The main feature is the number of service providers that can maintain the system with patient data. That is, the EHR always contains much more information. Most clinics prefer to work with an EHR.
There is one more significant difference. It lies in the fact that EHRs are constantly developed, considering the need for compatibility, which a conditional competitor does not have. Interoperability allows you to use systems across multiple institutions, share information, and gain access to the information you need. In this case, the doctor has full access to the medical history. Regardless of which clinics the patient was previously served in. The doctor can put all the information together to make a more accurate diagnosis and see the complete picture of the history of previous diseases, surgeries, laboratory tests, and much more.
Imagine going to a family doctor in one clinic, having your teeth treated in another, taking tests, and undergoing diagnostic examinations in a third institution. In this case, you should have 3 EMRs. Each application is separate for all medical institutions. Or you can use 1 EHR, combining information from each clinic, pharmacy, and laboratory you visited.
Benefits of using electronic records
Despite specific differences between these two modern systems, they both play a crucial role in developing the healthcare sector. They are equally helpful for all patients and clinic workers, allowing them to quickly make the right decisions, prescribe treatment, and diagnose accurately.
With the help of medical records in electronic format, a doctor can track the entire medical history without resorting to paper medical archives and without repeating unnecessary tests and examinations. Both types of systems are highly effective and can provide benefits at all levels.