Helpie FAQ

EHR / EMR software is a computer system that helps healthcare providers manage patient medical records and automate clinical workflows. EHR systems allow providers to:

• Create customizable templates for taking notes during patient encounters
• Generate reports on practice efficiency and compliance with government programs
• Communicate with patients and staff
• See patients remotely with telemedicine sessions and prescribe medications electronically
• Sync information with practice management and billing systems

While the terms EHR (electronic health records) and EMR (electronic medical records) are often used interchangeably, they have slightly different meanings. The primary difference is that EHR puts forth the notion of interoperability, or interfacing with other medical systems to create a comprehensive view of a patient’s clinical information. To learn more about the difference, check out our article, EHR vs. EMR Electronic medical records represent a huge improvement over the paper-based methods of the past, and open the door to a new world of functionality for healthcare providers. As opposed to first generation EHRs that simply digitized and stored medical records, modern EHR systems act as virtual assistants that organize and prioritize practice workflow. As EHR technology continues to evolve, providers will be able to connect with patients in more meaningful ways and continuously provide better care.

Using an EHR system can significantly impact a medical practice’s bottom line. Specific benefits of EHR software include:

• Saving time by automating manual processes like charting and prescribing medications
• Streamlining physician workflows with scheduling, task prioritization, and communication tools
• Protecting against data breaches and ensuring HIPAA compliance with increased PHI (protected health information) security measures
• Accessing patient records from anywhere using mobile devices
• Reporting functionality that helps providers participate in government-run EHR Incentive Programs.

Another benefit of modern EHR systems is seamless integration with practice management software. This integration eliminates time and errors caused by copying-and-pasting between software systems, reduces the amount of missed follow-up appointments, and speeds up reimbursement. The cumulative result of these benefits is a medical practice that runs more efficiently, allowing providers and office staff to focus on caring for patients and maintaining profitability.

A “certified EHR technology” (CEHRT) is an EHR/EMR system that has been reviewed, tested, and certified for use in incentive and compliance programs administered by CMS. The goal of the EHR Incentive Programs, recently renamed the Promoting Interoperability (PI) Programs, is to encourage providers to use EHR / EMR software and to help them find technology that meets program requirements. These programs offer incentives to healthcare providers that use a certified EHR and impose penalties on those who don’t meet standard requirements. For instance, one measure that can contribute to a medical practice receiving an incentive payment is demonstrating that a certain percentage of their patients actively use a patient portal. As EHR vendors develop new technology, they submit it to an ONC-ATCB (ONC-Authorized Testing and Certification Body) for inspection and testing. After receiving certification, the ONC-ATCB monitors the technology for continued compliance. AdvancedMD v12.7 is 2015 Edition compliant and has been certified by an ONC-ACB in accordance with the applicable certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This certification does not represent an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.