What is an EHR?

An EHR is an Electronic Health Record. It is an electronic record of patient health information collected over one or more encounters in any healthcare setting. Generally, the following information is included in the patient health information:

• Demographic Information
• Problem Lists
• Medication and Allergy Lists
• Vital Signs
• Medical History
• Immunization Information
• Lab and Radiology Reports
• Billing Information

EHRs have the ability to generate a complete record of a clinical patient encounter, as well as aiding other healthcare-related activities through the system’s interface including evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting.

 

The implementation of EHRs has several advantages including reducing costs, improving quality of care, promoting evidence-based medicine, and improving record keeping and mobility. Some disadvantages include the cost of implementing EHR systems and the time required to learn new systems.