Electronic Health Records Software (EHR)

Electronic health records software, or EHR software, is a digital version of a patient’s paper chart. An electronic health records application makes it easier for providers to track and share real-time information with other medical professionals while maintaining privacy rules.

An Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is part of a broader category known as Electronic Health Records (EHR), which serves as the digital backbone of modern medical data management. Understanding the different levels of EHR is crucial for appreciating its full potential:

• Automated Medical Record: This includes paper-based records supplemented with some computer-generated documents.
• Computerized Medical Record (CMR): Advances the previous level by making documents available electronically.
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR): Restructures and optimizes previous documents ensuring interoperability across systems.
• Electronic Patient Record (EPR): Focuses on patient-centered records that amalgamate information from multiple institutions.
• Electronic Health Record (EHR): Integrates broader health-related information that extends beyond specific diseases.

EMR vs EHR: There can be some confusion about the difference between EHR or electronic health records software and EMR or electronic medical records software; in fact, EHRs and EMRs refer to the same thing and have often been used interchangeably.

But the term “electronic health records” for software like APRIMA has been referenced far more frequently, probably due in part to its use by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and other organizations such as ONC (the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information). As of 2010, the CMS refers to the “meaningful use of an EHR,” and the ONC has clearly stated they use “EHR” and “electronic health records” almost exclusively, explaining “the word ‘health’ covers more options than ‘medical.'”

If you’re considering implementing an EHR system in your practice, exploring an electronic health records example through a demo can be incredibly beneficial. Sign up for a demo to see how these systems can transform your healthcare delivery. For more information or to get started, contact us at 800-955-0321 or visit our contact page.

Embracing electronic health records software is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a commitment to improving healthcare quality and efficiency across the board. Whether it’s enhancing patient care, ensuring data security, or streamlining administrative workflows, the benefits of electronic health records are vast and critical for any modern medical practice.