EHR and EMR are used interchangeably and the subtle differences between them can be challenging to understand.
What Are the Differences Between EHR and EMR Softwares? Do They 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), electronic faxing, telemedicine 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
What is 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 or 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.
What is 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 Software
EHR 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.”
Who is EMR Software Owned By?
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.
Why Use the AdvancedMD Electronic Health Record (EHR) Software?
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. Enjoy the immediate ROI of our combined EHR and Practice Management software, which in most cases exceeds reimbursements—from additional revenue capture and reduction in claim rejections.
Certified, Complete EHR
AdvancedMD is 2015 CEHRT-certified for 2018 reporting, 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.