Electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR) sound similar, right? But does that mean they're the same thing? In physical therapy, both elements play a significant role in the terminology of health tech, but what’s really the difference between EMR vs EHR?
Let's dive into a detailed examination, exploring and analyzing them thoroughly.It's the clash of the medical record vs the health record!
We'll take a look at the following:
Let's break the difference between EHR and EMR down. But before diving into the details of the EHR vs EMR feud, let's ensure we agree on these terms.
EMR is like a personal medical diary, where the PT does all the typing. It's the digital paper trail of every patient visit made to your private practice. All examinations, recovery programs, and mobility appointments are recorded there. Simply put, it's a compilation of your patient's medical records, created and updated by you!
(BTW, PtEverywhere's platform is like an EMR+ designed specifically for physical therapists)
An EHR provides a broader view of a patient's health. It includes the medical history from your PT practice and combines data from all the clinicians involved in the patient's care.
This comprehensive picture can include lab results, imaging, medications, allergies, and even information on lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. This can be super helpful for a new patient coming to your PT clinic as it gives you a good background of this patient's health data before their first appointment.
It should be noted that any PT practice can benefit from an EMR and EHR. They reduce manual admin activities so you can spend more time with your patients than at an office desk. Let's check out some other PT categories that both digital types can support.
Both systems are designed to store and provide a detailed medical history of patients.
EMR primarily focuses on capturing and organizing patient medical records within a specific healthcare organization. They include medical diagnoses, treatments, medications, and test results. EMR systems are typically used within a single healthcare facility. (Great for PT practice!)
EHR aims to create a comprehensive health record for a patient. They include medical records from various healthcare providers and a broader range of health-related information such as allergies, immunizations, and family medical history data. EHR systems enable healthcare providers to access and exchange patient information across healthcare settings.
EMR and EHR systems offer robust support for speech-to-text functionality, enabling PT (providers to conveniently convert spoken words into accurate written text.
This advanced feature is exceptionally beneficial in various healthcare scenarios, including documenting patient encounters, recording medical notes, and capturing other critical healthcare-related information.
By harnessing the power of speech recognition technology, EMR and EHR systems empower PT providers to effortlessly dictate their notes verbally, significantly saving time and improving overall efficiency in the documentation process.
(Tip: Our physical therapy EMR tool utilizes voice-to-text for direct note dictation into patient charts.)
EMR systems digitally capture and store patient medical records, eliminating the need for extensive paper-based documentation. With EMR, PTs can access and update patient records electronically, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of errors associated with manual record-keeping.
EHR systems enable seamless sharing of patient information among healthcare providers, reducing the need for paper-based communication and redundant data entry. Streamlining workflows and contributing to a sustainable ecosystem.
EHR systems offer seamless integration between different healthcare functions. Integrating EHR with Practice Management Systems (PMS) allows PT providers to have a unified platform where all administrative and clinical functions are centralized. This integration streamlines scheduling, billing, patient demographics, and insurance claim processing while maintaining comprehensive patient clinical data. As a result, it eliminates the need for multiple software applications.
EMR systems are all about enhancing patient management integration. They bring together all patient-related info into one easy-to-access digital platform. This means a smoother information flow between providers and a more complete view of patient health. With EMRs, PTs can track progress, compare data, and make better treatment decisions with digital health records. And when EMRs team up with PMS, it's a win-win!
Did you know: Most medical software providers charge for EMR and PMS software separately, but PtEverwhere's all-in-one solution includes both for its customers.
When it comes to patient engagement, EMR systems are often the superior choice for physical therapy practices. While both EMR and EHR systems have benefits, EMRs provide a more tailored and accessible approach, helping to foster better communication, higher treatment adherence, and improved patient satisfaction. Here's how EMR systems elevate the patient experience:
EMR systems offer patients instant access to their medical records, helping them stay informed and involved in their care. This is especially important in physical therapy, where tracking progress and reviewing treatment notes can boost motivation.
EMR systems provide easy, secure messaging between patients and providers, eliminating the need for phone calls or in-person visits for simple questions or concerns. This constant access keeps patients engaged and connected to their care providers.
Unlike broader EHR systems, EMRs are often specifically designed for physical therapy practices, offering specialized tools that enhance patient engagement and simplify interactions. The streamlined interface makes it easier for patients to focus on their recovery.
With regular access to their records and personalized reminders, patients using EMR systems are more likely to follow their prescribed treatment plans, leading to faster recovery and improved outcomes.
Both digital records benefit PTs in their daily operations and patient experience. The key difference is that EMR is great for individual PT practices, providing a comprehensive clinical history for specific patients. At the same time, EHR encompasses the entire health history of patients from various healthcare providers.
For PT clinics, it's ideal to have their patients' digital records somewhere between the simplicity of an EMR and the features of an EHR, without all the fancy extras.
That's where PtEverywhere comes in. PtEverywhere is an EMR+ with all the features and capabilities of an EHR for PTs. It's a cloud-based electronic medical record and a practice management solution tailor-made for physical therapists.
In addition, its core functions also facilitate seamless external communication with patients via the Patient Portal, allowing PT providers to exchange messages, share important information securely, and allows the patient to modify appointments for an enhanced patient experience. With PtEverywhere, you don't have to choose. Get the best from EMR EHR systems at once!
The debate between EMR vs EHR is less about which one is the victor and more about finding the right balance that caters to the unique needs of your practice.
With PtEverywhere, physical therapists are equipped with an all-in-one solution that combines an EMR's simplicity and the comprehensive nature of an EHR, all without the hassle of unnecessary extras.
It doesn't matter which side of the EMR vs EHR debate you're on. PtEverywhere offers a seamless, efficient, and secure way to manage your practice and enhance patient care.
To learn more about PtEverywhere for 2023, book a demo or check out our media center for more therapy tips and tricks!