Posted By Monique Dever On November 21, 2024
What is the Difference Between EMR and EHR?

What is the difference between an EMR and an EHR? Sometimes the terms Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) are used interchangeably. These are very different technologies. It’s important to know the difference.
What is an EMR?
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), are the digital version of the traditional paper charts in medical practices; unique to individual providers or practices. EMRs are essentially the notes captured by that healthcare organization (e.g. a primary care practice, local health department or hospital). These records are specifically medical and are for the provider’s use.
Patient Information Accessible in an EMR
- Medical history, medications, and visit summaries of a patient recorded by that practice
- Patient demographic information
- Patient insurance information
What is an EHR?
An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is also a digital version of a medical chart, independent of where the service is provided and by whom. An EHR system is an all-inclusive, real-time record of a patient chart. themselves.
Patient Information Accessible in an EHR
- Medical history, prescriptions, and visit summaries from many community providers
- Demographic and insurance information of the patient
- Information from laboratories
- Images from radiology
- Information from immunization registries, etc.
In a report by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) they said, “EHRs are designed to be accessed by all people involved in the patient’s care—including the patients themselves. Indeed, that is an explicit expectation in the Stage 1 definition of “meaningful use” of EHRs. The information moves with the patient—to the specialist, the hospital, the nursing home, the next state, or even across the country.”
Is an EHR or EMR Best for your Practice?
Electronic Medical Records were invented first and are an improvement over paper records. Electronic Health Records have continued to improve their technology and connect with a more vast network of patient information, including Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), interoperability networks, and other health information networks.
EHRs support whole-person care in many ways. They can support care coordination and partnerships between yourself and other care providers. They can support your patients in better managing their own care. Electronic Health Records provide your patients easy access to their medical information, health histories, and treatment instructions.
EHRs and EMRs are different technologies with very different capabilities, however. An EMR is going to be more limiting. Connecting with other providers and your own patients through an EHR helps everyone.