What Is the EMR System?

An EMR is an electronic medical record generated by a health care organization and contains a compilation of patient information that enables storage and retrieval of information. An EMR system is a collection of computer programs or components designed to integrate with a health care organization's existing workflow.

Purpose

• Access to information and the ability to order lab work at the point of care are examples of how an EMR system is used by a health care provider. An EMR system also enables evidence-based decision making, claims processing and electronic prescriptions.

Benefits

• Because the EMR system organizes medical records and provides easily accessible information at the point of care, it reduces costs. Errors historically made by miscommunication due to illegible handwriting or verbal orders are reduced, thus enhancing patient safety.

Disadvantages

• EMR systems are vulnerable to hackers who steal patient records as a means of identity theft. The cost of an EMR system may be prohibitive enough for a health care provider to sacrifice implementing adequate security measures that would ensure patient confidentiality.