A Introduction to EHR Systems

What is EHR?

An electronic health record is a patient's medical history in electronic form. It is a tool maintained by physicians, and it includes essential clinical data related to the patient's care. This data includes:

• Demographic information
• Medications
• Medical history
• Immunization history
• Notes of progress or complications
• Lab data and other reports

The EHR system automates access to patient information to make clinicians' work easier. Additionally, clinicians can complete other care-related activities, such as reporting outcomes and decision support. Some EHR interfaces can deliver automated reminders to improve the quality of patient care.

The EHR definition has changed over time. The older term is EMR or electronic medical record. When people say EMR now, they may refer to the clinical functions of EHR software, such as documentation, allergy-checking, and drug interaction information. Overall, you’ll find references to EHR meaning the broad computer system that physicians use to track patient care.

Benefits of EHR

EHR software allows providers to manage and share patient health information easily. It contains information from all of the clinicians involved with the patient, and this is a simpler way to keep up-to-date records than a physical record system. Providers can share EHRs with:

• Laboratories
• Medical imaging facilities
• Pharmacies
• Other relevant clinics
• Specialists

However, the EHR is more than just a digital chart. The system goes beyond providing clinical information and can also provide access to tools that help providers make evidence-based decisions. The system allows for an automated and more seamless flow of information.

Other benefits of EHR include:

• Increased patient participation. EHRs allow providers to communicate with patients better. They can manage appointments in the system as well as send messages and provide crucial information. 
• Better coordination of care. EHRs organize patient health information and instantly distribute that information to authorized providers. This coordination helps people who have to see multiple specialists, who are transitioning to a different care setting, or who need emergency services.
• Cost savings. EHRs result in reduced costs for transcriptions, chart-pulling, and storage. They also allow providers to save time with centralized chart management and electronic messages. Clinicians can also order and track lab tests and images in one place.
• Improved patient outcomes. EHRs makes medical records readily available so that providers have complete and accurate information. They can improve patient safety, reduce human error, and aid in diagnosis.

Lastly, EHR systems mean that patients don’t have to fill out the same forms for every doctor’s visit. This software is not only convenient for providers, but it is also handy for busy patients. Providers can also access necessary information remotely for more consistent care.

EHR Companies

Syntrix Consulting Group reports data and provides business data analytics for healthcare organizations. Our solutions help providers improve patient care and operations management. We create:

• Reports
• Dashboards
• Data extracts

You can use this information to improve your business and practice. We can work with your EHR system to make your data talk to you. Contact us today for reliable reporting solutions or to manage your healthcare business intelligence projects.