From electronic health records to patient portals, practice management software, and electronic medical records, the resources and terminology within the healthcare technology space can often become overwhelming.
However, when it comes to navigating software for your ambulatory practice, it is important to understand the intricacies and capabilities of different platforms. In particular, understanding the benefits of an EHR vs EMR for ambulatory practices is a key starting point.
What is an EMR?
An electronic medical record, or EMR, is a digital medical chart that contains a patient’s medical data and health information. This typically includes their medical history, diagnoses and conditions, medications, allergies, and test results.
Some EMRs include more extensive information, such as billing information for administrative purposes. They may also extend into a patient portal where patients can access and view their own personal medical information.
The digitalization of these records improves practice workflows and enhances the delivery of patient care. EMRs serve as a central, real-time referencing point for patient data, giving providers a demographic view of a patient’s history and care needs. An EMR supports comprehensive records, efficient documentation, and organized care management.
Limitations of electronic medical records
The main limitation of an EMR is that they are single-practice focused, meaning the information is typically kept within a single healthcare provider’s office or system.
While this is sufficient for patients who are being treated within one specific office, it is not ideal for patients who need to be seen across multiple healthcare settings.
What is an EHR?
An electronic health record, or EHR, is also a digital record of a patient’s health information and medical history. The key difference between an electronic health record vs an electronic medical record is that an EHR is stored in a comprehensive and interoperable format. Thus, an EHR can be more easily shared with other healthcare providers and institutions.
The accessibility and comprehensiveness of EHRs help to build strong relationships between patients and clinicians while helping guide care decisions. EHRs move with patients from various offices and clinics, allowing care teams to be as informed as possible.
How does an EHR improve patient care?
The main way that the EHR can improve care is through accuracy and accessibility.
An electronic health record reduces the risk of medical error by providing a platform for accurate and clear medical records. Especially when providers can access the EHR across medical groups and specialties, they can better understand patients’ histories to provide more informed care.
This emphasizes the importance of accessibility. By making health information more available, the need to duplicate tests or delay treatments when patients see a new provider because of gaps in information is reduced. With available data, care is both informed and timely.
Electronic Health Record vs Medical Record
| Electronic Health Record | Electronic Medical Record |
| Interoperable | Not interoperable, stays within a single healthcare system |
| Accessible across medical groups & specialties | Single practice focus |
| Broad, comprehensive view of health history | Best suited for diagnoses & treatment |
| Integrates with PM, patient portal, RCM | May include patient portal or billing software |
Key differences in EHR vs EMR for ambulatory practices
The main difference between an EHR and an EMR is that EHRs are maintained by multiple providers, while an EMR is maintained by a single provider. Typically, this means an EHR contains more information than an EMR because of its interoperability.
The amount of information within each of these records also influences how providers utilize them. Due to more vast information, providers can use EHRs to see a broader view of a patient’s entire medical history, spanning visits to specialists, emergency rooms, pharmacies, labs, and imaging.
A more comprehensive look at patient data is particularly valuable for practices and clinics that look at analytics for reporting measures or compliance.
On the other hand, EMRs are primarily used for diagnosis and treatment for patients who are seen under the same network of clinics.
These differences influence which system is ideal for different types of practices.
EMRs typically benefit:
- Small practices that don’t need to share data outside their network
- Practices that only need basic charting and billing features
- Clinics that primarily coordinate care internally, rather than referring patients out
EHRs typically benefit:
- Hospitals, multi-location clinics, and health systems that rely on sharing data between locations or facilities
- Organizations that utilize care coordination between multiple providers for a single patient record
As an ambulatory practice, an electronic health record is typically the best route.
Why should ambulatory practices choose an EHR?
Ambulatory practices should choose an EHR because it helps them meet requirements, optimize patient access, and coordinate care.
An EHR helps identify and track quality measures that many practices use for reporting purposes. For example, population health tools within an EHR can help organizations pinpoint, track, and improve on gaps in care that allow them to meet measures and secure funding.
Additionally, an EHR vs an EMR for ambulatory practices better meets patient expectations for engagement tools. Many EHRs allow patients access to their own medical records via a patient portal. Additionally, integrating other patient engagement tools, such as self-scheduling, into the EHR benefits both patients and providers because of convenient scheduling and automation.
An electronic health record also meets regulatory requirements for ambulatory practices. Regulations such as the Cures Act, TEFCA, and FHIR aim to improve, regulate, and secure healthcare information and interoperability. Quality EHRs are designed to meet these requirements, helping your practice stay up to date in the modern landscape.
How NextGen EHR supports ambulatory practices
With features designed for small to mid-size practices, as well as specialty-specific workflows and templates, NextGen® Enterprise EHR supports the unique needs of individual ambulatory practices.
NextGen Enterprise EHR seamlessly integrates with NextGen® Enterprise PM and NextGen® RCM Services for streamlined workflows across scheduling, documentation, and billing.
Coupled with innovations for improved patient engagement, simplified payments, and enhanced interoperability, NextGen EHR drives practice efficiency and stronger care outcomes.
The right EHR for your ambulatory practice
As an ambulatory practice, an electronic health record prepares you for the future. If you’re ready to learn more about NextGen Enterprise EHR for ambulatory practices, schedule time with a member of our team.
