What is the difference between EMR and EHR?

EMR and EHR are both electronic systems used to store and manage patient health information, but there are differences in their scope and functionality. EMR, or Electronic Medical Record, refers to a digital version of a patient's medical record within a single healthcare organization or practice. It typically includes information related to diagnoses, treatments, medications, laboratory results, and other clinical data specific to that organization. EMR systems are designed for use within the organization, facilitating patient care and administrative tasks. EHR, or Electronic Health Record, goes beyond individual organizations and aims to create a comprehensive and interoperable record of a patient's health information. EHRs integrate data from multiple sources, allowing for a holistic view of a patient's health history that can be accessed and shared by authorized healthcare providers across different organizations and settings. EHR systems support the exchange of health information, care coordination, and patient engagement. They provide a broader scope and are designed to enhance communication, continuity of care, and collaboration among healthcare providers. While EMR focuses on the internal management of patient records within an organization, EHR focuses on interoperability and the exchange of health information to support comprehensive patient care.