Electronic Health Records Vs Electronic Medical Records

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are comprehensive digital versions of patients' paper charts, designed to be shared across different healthcare settings. EHRs contain a patient's medical history, diagnoses, medications, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results, enabling healthcare providers to access and manage patient information in real-time. This interoperability enhances the coordination of care, improves patient safety, and supports data-driven public health initiatives.

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), on the other hand, are digital versions of the traditional paper records kept by a single healthcare provider or practice. EMRs typically include the medical and treatment history of patients within a specific practice but are not designed for sharing outside that practice. While EMRs can improve efficiency and accuracy in managing patient information, they often lack the comprehensive data sharing capabilities of EHRs, limiting their utility in broader public health contexts.