EMR vs EHR

[Mijourney]

Is there a difference between the electronic medical record (EMR) and the electronic health record (EHR)? Is one used exclusively in certain areas and the other more universal?

[rninformatics, DNP, RN]

Greetings Mijourney,

Although the terms EMR and EHR are frequently used interchangably per an April 2008 report from the National Alliance for Health Information Technology to the ONCHIT: "The principal difference between an EMR and an EHR is the ability to exchange information interoperably. An EMR aligns with the prevailing state of electronic records today (whether the record is branded an EMR or an EHR). However, the movement of the industry is toward electronic records that are capable of using nationally recognized interoperability standards, which is a key defining component of an EHR. With the passage of time, electronic records not capable of exchanging information interoperably will lose their relevance. Thus the term EMR is on course for eventual retirement."

The NAHIT has done extensive work to help define and standardize HIT terms - see attached.

Is there a difference between the electronic medical record (EMR) and the electronic health record (EHR)? Is one used exclusively in certain areas and the other more universal?

defineHITterms.pdf