what are ehr systems

An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital version of a patients paper chart that contains the medical and treatment histories of patients. EHRs are real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users. EHR systems are built to go beyond standard clinical data collected in a provider’s office and can be inclusive of a broader view of a patient’s care. EHRs are a vital part of health IT and can contain a patient’s medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory and test results. EHRs are designed to be shareable with everyone involved in a patient’s care, such as doctors, laboratories, and specialists. EHRs can automate and streamline provider workflow, allow access to evidence-based tools that providers can use to make decisions about a patient’s care, and help reduce the incidence of medical errors by improving the accuracy and clarity of medical records. EHRs can also improve patient care by making the health information available, reducing duplication of tests, reducing delays in treatment, and keeping patients well-informed to take better decisions. EHRs are a rapidly-changing technology that helps doctors improve the quality of care delivery and are seen as the future of healthcare.