What is EMR

What is EMR?

• An EMR is a digital version of a patient’s healthcare chart. EMR systems are software programs that allow healthcare practices to create, store and receive these charts.

• EMRs can house valuable information about a patient, including:-

• Demographic information

• Diagnosis

• Notes

• Medication information

• Lab test results

• Immunization records

• Allergy information

• In addition to storing and organizing patient data, EMRs can also be used to:-

• Give patients access to their medical data via online patient portals

• Help providers prescribe medications

• Be used to order certain laboratory tests

• Code medical bills more easily thanks to built-in integrations with coding and billing software.

Benefits of EMRs:- (for patients)

• Fewer errors on medical records

• Quicker assessment and care from medical professionals

• Data and results are tracked over time

• Improved health diagnosis, treatment and overall quality of care

• Identify patients who are due for preventive visits and screenings

• Enhanced privacy and security of patient data

• Reduction in patient errors and improved patient care

• Enable evidence-based decisions at point of care

• Follow-up information after a visit such as self-care instructions, reminders for other follow-up care, and links to web resources.

• Access to patient’s own records to view medications and keep up with lifestyle changes that have improved their health.

Benefits of EMRs (for Clinics):-

• Save space by eliminating paper records needing to be stored, managed and retrieved

• Optimize workflow and increased number of patients served per day

• Reduce administrative difficulties and operational costs

• Interface easily with hospitals, pharmacies, labs and state health systems

• Customizable and scalable electronic records

• Gather and analyze patient data that enables outreach to discreet populations

• Provide clinical alerts and reminders

• Improve documentation and coding

• Enhance research and monitoring for improvements in clinical quality

• Provide built-in safeguards against prescribing treatments that would result in adverse events

• Track electronic messages to staff, other clinicians, hospitals, labs, etc.

• Links to public health systems such as registries and communicable disease databases

Types of EMR Systems

There are different subtypes of EMR systems that are used on different operating systems and settings, which are as follows:-

• Certified EMR systems:-When a system has been certified, it means it meets the high functionality and security requirements set by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

• Cloud-based EMR Systems:-Cloud-based software gives you the ability to access information remotely—you don’t need to be physically at the office to see and retrieve files.

Since the servers are stored and maintained off-premise by the software company, cloud-based EMR software tends to be less expensive than on-premise systems.

• Mac EMR Software:-Mac EMR software, as can be assumed by the name, includes software compatible with all Apple devices.

• Medical Billing Software:-Processing patient statements and insurance claims can be more manageable with medical billing software. There are software systems that integrate with EMRs to form a complete and robust administrative department.