Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
What is an electronic medical record (EMR)?
An electronic medical record (EMR) is a digitized form of a patient’s chart at one specific practice. EMRs store medical data like demographics, medical history, diagnoses, immunizations, medications, notes, laboratory and radiology data and vitals.
What is the difference between electronic medical records and electronic health records (EHRs)?
“Electronic medical record” is sometimes used synonymously with “electronic health record” (EHR); however, there are some critical distinctions between the technologies. While both technologies digitally record patient data over time, EMRs can only do so within a particular practice. Comparatively, healthcare providers across practices can share EHRs. Further, EMRs treat and diagnose, while EHRs treat, diagnose and inform decisions.
Why are electronic medical records (EMRs) important to healthcare?
Electronic medical records are important because they let healthcare providers record relevant patient data digitally rather than on paper. Additionally, healthcare providers can track patient data and monitor patients over time within a practice.