The EHR or electronic health records is the backbone of the information management system of patients. Medical practices and doctors need an innovative and designated software solution to help in crucial tasks like recording and tracking patient information.
EHR and EMR software help collect, record, and maintain patients’ medical information or data. This also includes various types of information like patients’ diagnoses, medical history, demographics, prescription, medications, allergic reactions, test results, etc.
Thus, authorized individuals can access those pieces of information whenever needed during patient treatment.
Why is EHR implementation important?
EHR software helps by automating the procedure of collecting and gathering patient data and streamlining the workflow that can enable healthcare providers to make the right and quick decisions regarding the treatment and diagnosis of the patient.
The patient’s medical record is recorded and stored in digital format so that the information can be easily shared with different healthcare organizations and experts.
In the modern world, our lives are fully influenced by innovative and modern digital technology that includes desktops, tablets, smartphones, and most importantly, fast internet connectivity, which can lead to 24X7 sharing of information and communication.
Thus, just like in other fields, integrating digital technology has also become a necessity in the medical field.
The advent of digital solutions and sophisticated EHR and EMR software has helped in a seamless flow of information, resulting in an improved way of offering medical care. EHRs can help by recording a wide range of crucial information, including:
- Allergies or symptoms of the patients.
- Medical history and demographics of patients.
- Laboratory and test results.
- Proper diagnosis.
- Treatment strategies.
- Billing and administrative data.
- Progress notes or information.
Differences between EHR and EMR
EMR is commonly known as electronic medical records, which is slightly different from EHR.EMR software came first and is mainly used for the treatment and diagnosis of a patient, while although EHR came later, it still has encompassed a wider and broader level compared to EMR.
While EMR is used to gather patient data and track that over time to help a medical practice by offering information regarding check-ups, appointments, etc., the information cannot be shared with other hospitals or medical organizations if needed. In contrast, EHRs can go beyond this and can be shared with other organizations if necessary.
The information provided by EHRs can be collected and used by all involved and related professionals to treat patients with utmost care.
Advantages offered by EHRs
As mentioned earlier, the most crucial aspect of opting for an EHR is that the patient’s medical data can be shared across various organizations electronically. Hence, it can reduce labor costs, working time, the effort of the workers, and even the use of valuable resources. There are numerous advantages of choosing EHRs, such as:
- Easy access to the health records of patients for coordinated and efficient care.
- Accurate, detailed, and up-to-date information regarding a patient.
- Lab tests can be uploaded timely, so there is no scope for duplication of the test.
- Patient information is shared and managed in a private and protected way.
- Opting for automated procedures and reducing the number of resources and efforts.
- Reducing the cost of paperwork while ensuring reliable data.
- Allowing patients to view their own records with the help of online portals.
Therefore, in this era of technology, EHR and EMR software play a crucial role in the success of medical organizations.
