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Alexis Richmond10:07amAug 13 at 10:07am

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Topic: Discuss the difference between an electronic health record and an electronic medical record. Since there is an increase in adopting electronic medical records, why is it important to keep track of the location of paper health records and why is this step unnecessary in an electronic record system?

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are both digital versions of patient health information, but they have distinct differences in scope and functionality. Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), “is a patient’s medical history that is maintained electronically by a single provider” (Haan, 2022). It primarily focuses on the medical and clinical aspects of a patient’s health. EMRs typically include information such as medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization records, and lab results. They are designed to support the immediate and specific needs of healthcare providers within a particular practice. Electronic Health Records (EHR), “is a patient’s medical history that is maintained electronically by multiple providers” (Haan, 2022). EHRs encompass a broader view of a patient’s health information, extending beyond the clinical data found in EMRs. EHRs not only include medical data but also incorporate information related to a patient’s demographics, social determinants of health, care coordination, communication between providers, and even billing and insurance data.

The key differences between EHRs and EMRs lie in their scope, interoperability, and ability to support a more holistic view of a patient’s health across various healthcare settings. “Interoperability means that different systems can share and use data with each other” (Haan, 2022). Having interoperability allows the providers to have complete access to the patient’s medical history, no matter the provider that they see.

Regarding the adoption of electronic medical records and the importance of keeping track of paper health records:

Adopting Electronic Medical Records:
The shift toward electronic medical records offers numerous benefits, including improved accuracy, accessibility, efficiency, and the potential for better patient care coordination. EMRs allow healthcare providers to easily update and access patient information, share data with other authorized providers, and reduce the risk of errors associated with manual record-keeping. These systems can lead to more informed clinical decision-making and streamlined administrative processes.

Tracking Paper Health Records vs. Electronic Record Systems:
In a paper-based system, maintaining and tracking physical health records involves significant challenges. Paper records can be lost, damaged, or misfiled, leading to difficulties in locating crucial patient information. Retrieving records for patient care or administrative purposes can be time-consuming, error-prone, and potentially compromise patient safety.

In summary, while both EMRs and EHRs offer significant advantages over paper-based record-keeping, EHRs provide a more comprehensive and interconnected approach to managing patient health information. The shift toward electronic records is driven by the potential to improve patient care, reduce errors, and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare systems.

Jeremiah 33:6 says, “Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.”

References:

1. Haan, K. (2022, August 16). Ehr vs EMR: What’s the difference? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/ehr-vs-emr/#:~:text=The%20main%20difference%20between%20EMRs,EMR%20for%20diagnosis%20and%20treatment.

2. Garrett, P., & Seidman, J. (2011, January 4). EMR vs ehr – what is the difference?. Health IT Buzz. https://www.healthit.gov/buzz-blog/electronic-heal…

3. King James Bible Online. (2023). Kingjamesbibleonline.org. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-… to an external site. 

Katie HoponickThursdayAug 10 at 11:11am

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Discuss the difference between an electronic health record and an electronic medical record.

Liberty University (2021) provides us with the initial description of the difference between an electronic health record (EHR) and an electronic medical record (EMR). Without distinction, Health records in electronic form are often interchangeably referred to as medical or health records. However, they are two individual entities operating within the technological progression of digital and electronic systems. Liberty University (2021) states, “The information in the EMR relates solely to one episode of care, and the EMR is the data source for the EHR” (p.348). All these health record areas have progressively advanced through the decades in the continuous search for “more efficient, effective, and safe healthcare for Americans” (p.355). As Freedman (2023) describes, “These features make EHRs highly patient-centric, whereas EMRs are more practice-centric” (para. 7).

An EHR system does everything an EMR does while positioning your practice for growth and better communication internally and externally. Through an EHR, you can build a continuous, timestamped record of patient care for all your nurses, doctors and other medical staff to reference (para. 6).

According to Links to an external site.“>www.HealthIT.govLinks to an external site. (2019), EMRs are digital versions of patient charts in various medical settings, with variable data collection abilities focused on continuous improvements to the quality of care. EHRs offer a broader spectrum of input from all clinicians involved, with increased access to all documentation throughout a patient’s medical care path. Garrett and Seidman (2011) explain that EHRs are developed as real-time patient-centric systems that can reach beyond the practice where they are housed. The EHR can communicate with multiple authorized healthcare providers, laboratories, specialists, and other care providers as indicated. EHRs allow providers to share and access the patient record and fulfill stage one of meaningful use by enabling patients to access documents directly.

It’s easy to remember the distinction between EHRs and EMRs, if you think about the term “health” versus the term “medical.” An EHR is a more comprehensive report of the patient’s overall health, while an EMR is a narrower view of a patient’s medical history (USF, 2023).

Since there is an increase in adopting electronic medical records, why is it important to keep track of the location of paper health records, and why is this step unnecessary in an electronic record system?

All the information housed in these systems is Protected Health Information (PHI). Liberty University (2021) tells us that “HIPPA states that only persons who need to know may have access to a patient’s PHI” (p.393). By federal law and enhanced by the HITECH Act, all patients have the right to privacy and confidentiality of medical information. Liberty University (2021) explains that before electronic/digital forms of record keeping, documenting health records was done on paper, kept inside folders, and usually stored within a secure room, area, or areas where necessary. Keeping track of paper records is crucial as they can often be lost or misplaced. A patient’s history was held in the paper chart and maintained within paper folders. It is essential to keep track of the paper record due to policies that require the maintenance of data integrity. The misplacement or loss of records or documents can reduce the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis. It is the responsibility of the healthcare facility to put forth policies and procedures that define who has access to the records, the level of accuracy of the documents, the applicatory use of data, and punctual data entry and authentication (2021). The record must be accurate, complete, and timely. Breach of confidentiality is defined as “Releasing information without a required, properly executed authorization or as restricted by law” (p.411). The healthcare facility is responsible for maintaining paper records to uphold HIPPA laws and reduce the possibility of any breach of confidentiality where the personal healthcare records are concerned.

Electronic records are all housed in one place and never have to be removed from the health information exchange. Liberty University (2021) states, “The HIPPA security rule instructs covered entities and business associates to provide appropriate administrative physical, and technical safeguards to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and security of electronic protected health information” (p.249). Electronic record systems are stored in a centralized database that can be accessed by authorized personnel from any location with an Internet connection, thus simplifying communication and reducing the effort required to locate, access, and enter any documentation required. The requirement of physical storage space for electronic health records eliminates the need for physical space and added cost of security and procurement of the room to house the records. Electronic health records are saved in the cloud server. The cloud server, as indicated by Hathaliya et al., 2019, “is used as a backup for patients’ data storage and provides security to the stored data” (p.400). The cloud server is designed to store not only patients’ EHR but also any hospital records due to the private and secure designation of the documents. The security of electronic records systems in the central system and the cloud server requires authorized access and provides layers of security to protect against attacks and possible viral incidents.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (New International Bible, 1978/2011). The Promoting Operability phase of digitizing health records has created a new frontier where access and security to protected health information and hospital documents is a priority and requires a team of specialists to ensure the proper placement of all protections necessary.

References:

Freedman, M. (2023, February 21). EMR vs. EHR: What’s the difference? 202. Business News Daily. Links to an external site.“>https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/16204-emr-vs-ehr-explained.htmlLinks to an external site.

Garrett, P., & Seidman, J. (2011, August 26). EMR vs. ehr – what is the difference? Health IT Buzz. Links to an external site.“>https://www.healthit.gov/buzz-blog/electronic-health-and-medical-records/emr-vs-ehr-difference/Links to an external site.

Hathaliya, J. J., Tanwar, S., Tyagi, S., & Kumar, N. (2019). Securing Electronics Healthcare Records in Healthcare 4.0?: A biometric-based approach. Computers & Electrical Engineering, 76, 398–410. Links to an external site.“>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compeleceng.2019.04.017Links to an external site.

HealthIT.gov. (2019, May 2). What are the differences between electronic medical records, Electronic Health Records, and Personal Health Records? What are the differences between electronic medical records, electronic health records, and personal health records? | HealthIT.gov. Links to an external site.“>https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-are-differences-between-electronic-medical-records-electronic-health-records-and-personalLinks to an external site.

Liberty University. (2021). Healthcare Informatics (1st ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

New International Bible. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)

USF. (2023, July 7). Ehr vs EMR: What’s the difference? USF Health. USF Health Online. Links to an external site.“>https://www.usfhealthonline.com/resources/health-informatics/ehr-vs-emr/Links to an external site.