EHR versus EMR - What's the difference?

Most behavioral health specialists today are familiar with the terms EHR and EMR.  In our current healthcare industry the terms tend to be used interchangeably, however, there is a difference.

What is an EMR?

An EMR or electronic medical record is a digital record of a client’s health information.  It generally stays within one clinic and involves only the medical record of specific diagnoses/treatments.  The word “medical” focuses more on a client’s medical diagnosis and treatment.

What is an EHR?

An EHR or electronic health record is also a digital record of a client’s health information.  However it manages data from a client’s entire network of providers.  The word “health” covers more in-depth information about a person’s overall health.

Why the difference?

There are important differences between an EMR and EHR in regards to their purpose, function, and capability.   It’s important for you to understand these differences, especially if you’re getting ready to look for a solution to implement into your healthcare organization.

Here’s a quick look at the differences in capabilities between an EMR and EHR. 

EHR	EMR
·        Designed to follow a client from one provider or organization to another while sharing health information	·       Designed to record a client’s health data typically within one organization.
·       Collects & manages healthcare information from all sources for all diagnoses	·       Helps a provider stay on top of a client’s progress in regards to specific diagnoses
·       Interoperable – allows providers to electronically share a client’s data outside of their own facility instantly and securely with other healthcare professionals	·       Designed to stay within one organization.  Data can be shared with outside providers, but generally done manually through faxing or mailing.
·       Requirement of the Meaningful Use and MIPS programs	·       Does not meet Meaningful Use and MIPS requirements

In summary, EHR systems provide faster searching, retrieval and electronic sharing of a client’s complete health picture. The coordination of critical data between different providers is streamlined which paves the way for better clinical decisions.

What about keeping a paper-based system?

These days, a paper-based system just isn’t feasible anymore. Look at the piles of charts on everyone’s desk.  How much of your staff’s time is wasted looking for paper charts and deciphering hand-written notes?  What happens when one of your clinicians needs to see a client outside of the office?

Adopting progressive and valuable healthcare technologies into your organization will improve the quality of your services, help create a better environment for your team and contribute to overall better population health.