An electronic medical record (EMR) is a digital version of a patient’s medical chart. EMRs are efficient and modern tools for managing patient care.
EMRs are used to handle critical information for diagnosing and treating conditions.
If your medical practice is searching for ways to streamline operations, consider the following benefits that an EMR system provides.
First, let’s describe the difference between EMR and EHR.
EMR vs EHR
EMR stands for electronic medical records.
EHR stands for electronic health records.
Both an EMR and an EHR are digital records of a patient’s medical information. Traditionally, that data would be contained in a paper medical chart.
The main difference is that an EMR focuses on specific aspects of a patient’s medical history, such as a single acute or chronic condition. An EHR, on the other hand, contains a more holistic presentation of a patient’s health. For example, a patient’s EHR may contain files on conditions that aren’t directly related, such as high cholesterol and a sinus infection.
Facility Benefits of Electronic Medical Records
EMR software provides a complete solution for practitioners looking to streamline their practice’s data storage, data access, and communication.
Improved Workflow
EMR software makes it easier to input, store, and access data. This allows for more streamlined communication and patient tracking.
Information can be rapidly shared among care providers, making it easier to make the best treatment decisions and provide optimal care.
Lower Operating Costs
EMR software reduces the number of record-keeping obligations associated with each patient. Everything can be stored in a central digital hub. EMRs put an end to sorting through countless paper files in bulky filing cabinets.
Paperless Environment
Paperless use of EMRs benefits the environment, saves floorspace, and reduces office supply expenses. Less space devoted to paper files means more room available for patient care and equipment.
Conflict Checks
Reviewing inconsistencies in paper charts can be agonizing. With EMR software, you can easily check for and resolve conflicts that arise with a patient’s medication, testing, and other records.
Data Management and Reporting
EMR software allows you to view a complete picture across all EMR records for a single patient. You can easily track treatment progress over time by reviewing a full medical history broken down into detailed segments.
Easier to Transfer Data Between Providers
Use EMR software to quickly send documents between general practitioners, specialists, urgent cares, and other care providers. Printing, scanning, handwriting, and paper mail shouldn’t slow down the transmission of critical medical information.
There are numerous EMR software providers. Often, a number of different EMR programs are used within the same facility or the same team.
The ability to transmit data across teams and programs is crucial. Before choosing an EMR program, be sure to discuss data transfer capability with the software provider.
Patient Benefits of Electronic Medical Records
A medical tool only benefits practitioners when there are clear and direct benefits to patients, too.
Better Patient Care
EMRs allow for doctors to more easily share digital information with patients. When info-sharing isn’t limited to verbal and paper mediums, more effective communication about diagnosis and treatment is possible.
Use of EMR software in hospital settings is associated with lower patient mortality and lower risk of rapid readmission.
Improved Data Security and Privacy
Medical record-keeping should be completely secure. An effective EMR program eliminates the need for constant printing and faxing, keep records safe within purely digital channels. Electronic medical records make it easier to control and track the movements of sensitive and legally-protected data.
Reminders for Appointments
Patients are increasingly expecting and relying upon personalized digital communication to stay on top of their appointments. EMR software can send appointment reminders to patients across a number of channels, such as email or text.
Access to Medical Records
EMRs provide patients with greater access to their medical data. Digital sharing is considerably easier than paper sharing. Patients can use this access to more efficiently manage their care across multiple providers.
How PulseCheck Can Help
PulseCheck provides medical practice management software for emergency departments, urgent care clinics, and micro-hospitals.
EMR software by PulseCheck can help your team streamline operations and more efficiently manage patient data.
Contact our team to schedule a free software demo for your medical practice.