Question

• What are the core functions of an EHR System?
• What are the differences between an EHR and an EMR?
• What are the benefits of using an EHR?

Answer 1

1-The Electronic Health Record (EHR) is formerly known as Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is a digital version of a patient's paper chart. EHRs are real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users. It Allow access to evidence-based tools that providers can use to make decisions about a patient care.

2- Difference

When we define these two terms we see that both are digital records of patient health information. An EMR is best understood as a digital version of a patient's chart. It contains the patient's medical and treatment history from one practice. This record is the one that resides with doctors only in their office and does not get shared. If a patient switches doctors, his or her EMR is unlikely to follow.

On the other hand EHR holds records of patient from multiple doctors and provides a more holistic, long-term view of a patient's health. It includes their demographics, test results, medical history, history of present illness (HPI), and medications.

3- Achieving the true benefits of EHR systems requires that the transformation of practices is based on quality improvement methodologies and system and team based care it leads to an evidence-based medicine. The benefits EHR also include that there are fewer charts and also Improved efficiency of handling telephone messages and medication refills it provides Improved billing and Reduced transcription costs, Increased formulary compliance and clearer prescriptions leading to fewer pharmacy call backs, Improved coding of visits. It also includes population management and proactive patient reminders; improved reimbursement from payers due to EHR usage; and participation in pay-for-performance programs. In the case of taking care of patients it leads to Easier preventive care leading to increased preventive care services, Point-of-care decision support, Rapid and remote access to patient information and  Easier chronic disease management and Integration of evidence-based clinical guidelines.