Research

Garrett, Peter, and Joshua Seidman. “Electronic Health & Medical Records.” ​Health IT Buzz

EMR vs EHR What Is the Difference Comments​, 4 Jan. 2011,

www.healthit.gov/buzz-blog/electronic-health-and-medical-records/emr-vs-ehr-differenc

EMR vs EHR What Is the Difference

For my Original Work, I had to research reviews of different softwares and analyze the

cost, effectiveness, and if it’s best used for small practices or larger practices. While I was

researching, I came across a section within an article that talked about the difference between

EHRs (Electronic Health Records) and EMRs (Electronic Medical Records). I initially thought

they were generally the same thing but as I researched more I found out they weren’t the same

and had many major differences. My next plan was to figure out which system I wanted to use

for my original work. I researched more about each system and made a few points to discuss

with my mentor and other doctors to come to a conclusion for my Original Work.

First thing is first, is the basic functionality of the two systems. Electronic medical

records (EMRs) are digital versions of the paper charts in clinician offices, clinics, and hospitals.
EMRs contain notes and information collected by and for the clinicians in that office, clinic, or

hospital and are mostly used by providers for diagnosis and treatment. EMRs are more valuable

than paper records because they enable providers to track data over time, identify patients for

preventive visits and screenings, monitor patients, and improve healthcare quality. Electronic

health records (EHRs) are built to go beyond standard clinical data collected in a provider’s

office and are inclusive of a broader view of a patient’s care. EHRs contain information from all

the clinicians involved in a patient’s care and all authorized clinicians involved in a patient’s care

can access the information to provide care to that patient. EHRs also share information with

other health care providers, such as laboratories and specialists. EHRs follow patients to the

specialist, the hospital, the nursing home, or even across the country.

Overall I feel like I’ve learned the main differences between EHRs and EMRs which will

now give me a better idea of which system I should use for my Original Work. I always thought

they were essentially the same thing, so I am really glad I came across that article which
compared both systems because after more research I can now decipher the differences between

them and understand which system is best for which practice and scenario. I can now further ask

the doctors that I’ve been talking to about which system they use and which system they

recommend for me to use for my Original Work. Based on the differences EHRs seem more

detailed and withhold more information compared to EMRs which makes it seem like I should

choose EHRs but since this is for my Original Work I have to consider if I can get that

information and if it is suitable for my project. My next steps are to discuss with my mentor and

other doctors which system I should use and from there start researching different softwares.