What’s the Difference between EMR and EHR?

Electronic Medical Records [EMR] are basically digitized interactive records that can be stored and viewed on a health care facility’s computer. Many practices now have networked computers or monitors in all treatment rooms, and a patient’s records can be brought up on the screen with the patient in the chair. Notations and charting for each patient can be made electronically and stored digitally.
Electronic Health Records [EHR] take EMR to the next level. This refers to the ability to share the information stored electronically with others. For example, a patient may have a family practitioner who refers them to a specialist for a particular problem, and it would be extremely advantageous for the patient’s records to be reviewed by the specialist; or a patient may show up at the emergency room of a hospital where records are made and the patient’s personal physician wants to see this information. When electronic health records becomes the rule and not the exception [required for all physicians by 2014], a health care practitioner, hospital, nursing home, etc will be able to access electronically, with permission, the patient’s records from another health care facility.
This has tremendous implications for intake forms. Imagine not having to fill out pages of forms every time you visit a new doctor!
 Call us at 888-427-1116 [est] for more information or to see a sample form or demonstration.