What is an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)?

An electronic medical record(EMR), also known as an electronic health record(EHR) or Computerized Patient Record (CPR) is a patient's medical information in an electronic format. This medical information is accessible via computers on a network, to provide health care and health-related services.

EHRs contain information regarding the past, present, or future physical and mental health of a patient, medical test reports, medical images, financial and demographic information. In addition, the ordering of medical tests, medications, treatments, and clinical guidelines are accessible within the EHR. The data contained in HER can be captured or transmitted securely and in real-time by users at the point of care. The three core functions of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) are the following:

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EMR systems capture patient data

EMR systems are designed to capture data at the point of care using databases, rules engines, and knowledge bases. The information is then culled and submitted to the system via a computer workstation, tablet pc, mobile device or voice recognition system.

EMR software integrates with other data sources

The EMR must be capable of integrating with systems including financial, administrative, and clinical departments, as seen with many practice management systems. This allows more streamlined workflow reducing time spent entering data across multiple systems. It also ensures quality data across the systems. An example would include integration between a hospital, billing, laboratory, imaging, pharmacy, and practice management systems. A standard has been put in place call the HL7 (Health Level 7) which is a common language for sending and receiving messages from different information systems. The most common use is between a practice management and EMR system or between physician offices and a hospital.

EMR assists provider decision making

Rules engines can provide alerts, reminders, clinical protocols, and coding assistance at the point of care in EMR systems. EMRs can provide real-time data to a provider allowing providers to analyze and report data quickly. The data can also be compiled to include clinical statistics analysis, population health, patient/drug reports, and demographics reports.

What is an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)?

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6 Easy Steps to Create a Personal Health Record

The first thing that you should do is collect all your health records from your different healthcare providers. This includes your general practitioners, eye doctor, dentist, and any other specialist you go to.

Here are a few easy steps for you to create your own PHR:

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1.) Contact your doctors office and medical records staff at each location that you receive care. Request copies of your electronic medical record and ask the medical records staff or physician which parts of the record you need. Call the customer service department if you want the medical records kept by your health plan.

2.) Complete the "authorization for release of information" form from the medical facility. This will allow you to gain access to the records. Remember, it may take up to 60 days to receive your medical records so plan ahead.

3.) Choose which method to store your information. You have a choice on which platform to store your medical information. You can store in a physical paper file, electronically via the internet, or digitally via a CD that you can carry with you. The are PHR tools available online that you can use. Some are free and others require a subscription fee to use.

4.) Store the information. Depending on the method you use, you can store the information in a physical disk or paper file. Type or write the information into the completed PHR.

5.) Keep adding and updating the PHR with each successive visit to a healthcare facility.

6.) Keep your information safe and protected. Let your trusted family members know that it exists but beyond that keep it safe.

6 Easy Steps to Create a Personal Health Record

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