Electronic medical record
Electronic medical record (EMR) is a digital version of a patient's paper chart. EMRs are real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users.
Overview[edit | edit source]
An EMR contains the medical and treatment history of the patients in one practice. EMRs have advantages over paper records. For example, EMRs allow clinicians to:
- Track data over time
- Identify patients who are due for preventive visits and screenings
- Monitor how patients measure up to certain parameters, such as vaccinations and blood pressure readings
- Improve overall quality of care in a practice
Components[edit | edit source]
The EMR includes information such as:
- Patient demographics
- Progress notes
- Problems
- Medications
- Vital signs
- Past medical history
- Immunizations
- Laboratory data
- Radiology reports
Benefits[edit | edit source]
The potential benefits of EMRs include:
- Complete documentation of patient encounters
- Support for decision making
- Management of patient care
- Electronic ordering of tests and medications
- Electronic communication and coordination of care among members of a health care team and patients
- Patient access to personal health records, disease management tools, and health information resources
- Reporting and population health management
- Automated scheduling systems
Challenges[edit | edit source]
Despite the advantages, EMRs also have potential disadvantages and challenges, such as:
- Initial cost of setup
- Ongoing maintenance costs
- Changes in workflows
- Temporary loss of productivity leading up to implementation
- Technical problems
- Interoperability with other systems
- Privacy and security concerns
See also[edit | edit source]
- Health information technology
- Electronic health record
- Personal health record
- Medical practice management software
References[edit | edit source]
Electronic medical record Resources | ||
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD