EMR vs. EHR: Difference Between Electronic Health Records Software
EMR and EHR are used interchangeably and the subtle differences between them can be challenging to understand.
EMR Software & EHR Software: Does the Difference Matter?
A key difference between EHR and EMR software is that EHR provides a more comprehensive view into a patient’s health and history by pulling information from other electronic health systems. This is also known as EHR interoperability and supports such EHR features as electronic prescribing (eRx) and lab results. For example, if a patient goes to the emergency room for chest pain and follows up with their primary care physician who refers them to a cardiologist, the EHR software record would contain complete clinical summaries of health care from the hospital, primary care physician and the cardiologist.
EHR: The Preferred Electronic Record Between EMR & EHR Software
Definition of EHR Software
Electronic health records (EHR) is the prevailing term used within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to describe the software and technologies to be used by physicians and hospitals seeking incentive funds to spur the adoption and use of these clinical information systems.
Integration of two of more systems providing data into a patient’s clinical record is an Electronic Health Record (EHR), documenting a patient’s encounter of care. Unlike EMR software, the EHR contains clinical content and data from multiple medical sources, such as labs. The EHR contains clinical information captured and documented about the patient and their care from the practice this record resides as well clinical results, referrals and consultations from other providers of care for a comprehensive view of a patient health care and maintenance.
Definition of EMR Software
The National Alliance for Health Information Technology (NAHIT) defines electronic medical records software (EMR) as: “The electronic record of health-related information on an individual that is created, gathered, managed, and consulted by licensed clinicians and staff from a single organization who are involved in the individual’s health and care.
NAHIT Definition of EHR SoftwareEHR software is the “Aggregate electronic record of health-related information on an individual that is created and gathered cumulatively across more than one health care organization, and is managed and consulted by licensed clinicians and staff involved in the individual’s health and care.”
Additional Key Difference: EMR Software is Owned by the Entity Providing Patient Care
Another difference is EMR software belongs to and is owned by the hospital/physician practice/clinic that provides the patient medical care. It is the clinical record of assessments, health care delivered and plan of care provided a patient.
- An EMR may contain some health information from outside the immediate care setting.
- An EMR is the physician’s or hospital’s version of the medical care provided to the patient.
The ADP AdvancedMD Difference: Electronic Health Record (EHR) Software Solution
ADP AdvancedMD offers an ONC-ACTB Certified, interoperable, web-based EHR software. Our EHR is the ideal solution for creating a true paperless practice, and is available with mobile access and integrated Patient Portal. Qualify for maximum stimulus dollars, and enjoy the immediate ROI of our combined EHR and Practice Management software, which in most cases exceeds the stimulus reimbursement—simply from additional revenue capture and reduction in claim rejections.
Certified, Complete EHR
ADP AdvancedMD version 2011 Summer offering is 2011/2012 compliant and was certified as a Complete EHR, by the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT®), an ONC-ATCB, in accordance with the applicable criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The 2011/2012 criteria support the stage 1 meaningful use measures required to qualify eligible providers and hospitals for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
