Title: Module 1 Introduction: (U1 M1) An Overview of Electronic Health Records
Course: SkillsCom CMA 200 15.0 > Section: Unit 1 Module 1

The more that a Coding and Reimbursement Specialist understands their tools, one of which is the EMR/EHR System, the better they will be able to do their job.

Electronic medical records (EMR) are where patient-specific clinical information is entered, stored, and accessed.

Practice management systems are software systems that deal with the day-to-day operations of a medical practice. Such software frequently allows users to capture patient demographics, schedule appointments, maintain lists of insurance payors, perform billing tasks, and generate reports. Practice management systems may have access to or utilize the EMR.

There are software programs that combine the functions of EMR and Practice Management into one.  Epic, Greeway, Practice Fusion, Cerner are examples.

Remember that there are many different types and brands of electronic health record systems and practice management systems on the market and they all work a little differently, but their purpose is the same:  digitally organize patient demographics, patient medical history, medication and allergies, immunization status, laboratory test results, radiology images, vital signs, and billing information.

As a Coding and Reimbursement Specialist, one of the tools that you will use to access patient information is an EMR/EHR system or practice management system.