Glossary, records and interoperability
EHR versus EMR, what is the difference?
An electronic medical record (EMR) is the digital version of the chart a single practice keeps on its own patients. An electronic health record (EHR) holds the same clinical information in a form built to be shared with other providers, so the record moves with the patient across care settings.
Updated . Defined by the wai team for clinics, groups and health systems.
Also called electronic health record or electronic medical record.
Why EHR versus EMR matters to a clinic
The words are often used as if they meant the same thing, and in buying conversations they usually do. The difference matters when a patient moves between a private clinic, a hospital and a GP, because a record that cannot leave the building has to be rebuilt by hand at every handover.
For a private clinic, the practical questions are what the record holds, who can read it, how a copy is produced for the patient or another clinician, and in which country it is hosted.
Questions
Is an EHR better than an EMR?
Neither is better on its own. What matters is whether the record is complete, signed, access controlled and easy to share with the next clinician when the patient needs it.
Does a private clinic need an EHR?
A private clinic needs a complete, secure record it can share on request. Whether the vendor calls it an EHR or an EMR matters less than how notes are signed, how access is logged and how a copy is produced.
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