Wednesday, August 19, 2009

EHR vs. PHR

With all the acronyms surfacing in the IT world, it is no suprise people use the terms EHR and PHR interchangeably. However, each has a distinct definition, as well as some overlap.
The EHR, being originated and maintained by a provider, will encompass pieces of information relevant to the condition for which his or her profession dictates. It will also encompass any and all treatment rendered to the patient in that provider’s office, as well as any relevant medical history, labs, and imaging. The EHR is populated at the point of service. The EHR can pull relative information from the PHR, and the EHR can provide general encounter information back to the PHR.

The PHR encompasses much more data from various providers but to a lesser extent of detail. A general synopsis of each medical encounter would be noted. The PHR should also contain all family medical history pertinent to the individual, personal medical history beginning with the earliest recordable information (ie: immunizations, allergies, all drugs prescribed and/or being taken in the past and present, illnesses and hospitalizations, surgeries, etc.) The PHR should be able to provide information to a physician relevant to the reason for which the patient is being seen. The PHR can be updated with the general encounter information from the EHR after the visit.

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