If you’ve been to the doctor lately, you might have noticed that things are a lot more digital. Everything is moving online, from checking in on a tablet to getting reminders for appointments on your phone. But when you hear words like EMR/ EHR, and PMS, you might be wondering, “What do these mean?” And why should we care?

Let’s take it apart.

What’s the deal with EMR and EHR?

First, both EMR (Electronic Medical Record) and EHR (Electronic Health Record) are essentially computerized systems for tracking your health information. But they’re not the same.

In a way, EMR is like the traditional paper chart that your doctor used to keep. It includes your medical history, test results, medications, and anything else your doctor needs to know. It’s quite helpful, since your doctor can quickly and easily update it without dealing with much paperwork.

EHRs not only keep track of your health information but are also designed to be shared across different doctors and specialists. 

This implies that all of your healthcare providers can see your records if you see more than one. This helps keep things from getting mixed up and makes your care more integrated.

EMR is for one practice, and EHR lets more than one doctor or hospital see your information.

What is PMS, and why is it important?

PMS, or Practice Management System, might sound like something else, but believe me, it’s just as crucial. PMS is all the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the doctor’s office running smoothly.

This is what PMS does:

Scheduling appointments helps the office remember when you’re coming in.

• Billing and payments: This is how the office tracks payments, handles insurance, and ensures payments are processed correctly.
• Check-ins for patients ensure that all your information is up to date when you come for your appointment.

• Reports: It keeps an eye on finances and office performance to ensure everything runs smoothly.

PMS doesn’t handle your health records directly, but it ensures everything else runs smoothly.

How do EMR/EHR and PMS work together?

Even though EMR/EHR and PMS do separate things, they work together to make your trip to the doctor’s office easier and faster.

• PMS handles scheduling your appointment and tracking your visit.
• When you get there, EMR/EHR has all of your health information available.
• PMS handles invoicing after your visit, ensuring everything aligns with your health records.
• Things go more smoothly and quickly when both systems are in place. No lost data, no confusion,just a smooth experience.

Why Should You Care?

Here’s why it should matter:

Better care: Your doctor can make decisions faster and more accurately because they have all of your health information in one place.

Less paperwork: You won’t have to fill out the same forms every time you go because everything is updated online.

Faster Billing: PMS tracks payments, so you won’t have to deal with billing errors or delays.

The Bottom Line

Your doctor’s office visit wouldn’t be the same without EMR/EHR and PMS. PMS ensures the commercial side of things functions properly, while EMR/EHR maintains your health records. They work together to make your visit quicker, easier, and more organized.