The Difference between EMR and EHR

Electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR) are sometimes used interchangeably, but it’s important to know the difference between the two, especially if you’re in the market for a new EMR.

What is an EMR?

Electronic medical records (EMRs) are the digital versions of typical paper charts used by clinicians in physical therapy clinics and hospitals. EMRs contain important information about a patient collected by clinicians in the office and are used by providers for diagnosis and treatment.

EMRs provide value to clinicians in ways paper charts cannot. EMRs allow providers to easily track data over time, spot patients for preventive visits and screenings, and improve healthcare quality. EMRs are used primarily by providers and clinicians to note important means of care, treatment, and diagnosis. They were not created to be shared outside of one practice group.

What is an EHR?

Electronic health records (EHRs) are designed to go further than basic clinical data collection and showcase a broader view of a patient’s care. EHRs contain information on a patient collected from all clinicians involved in that patient’s course of care. All authorized clinicians who are involved in treating the patient can access the EHR. EHRs also share patient information with other healthcare providers, like specialists and laboratories. Essentially, electronic medical records follow a patient — across doctors, hospitals, or even a nursing home, regardless of their location.

Understanding the Difference between an EMR and EHR

One key differentiator between EMRs and EHRs is the difference between “medical” and “health.” An EMR is a patient’s medical history associated with one practice, generally, while an EHR is a comprehensive collection of a patient’s overall health and treatment, regardless of who they see for care.

If you’re curious about improve your clinic’s scheduling, documentation, and billing, a dedicated physical therapy EMR is likely your best bet to improve efficiencies and increase revenue.

AgileEMR brings all elements of documentation, compliance, billing and care coordination into one comprehensive platform. The cloud-based solution was created by therapists, for therapists. While other EMR platforms are expensive, cumbersome to use and frequently frustrate clinic staff, AgileEMR can provide everything your clinic needs without the hassle and headaches. AgileEMR is on a mission to make things easy for the sole practitioner, multi-site practices and everyone in between.