Connected Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), are often part of broader Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. They refer to the ability of digital patient records to be accessed, shared, and exchanged between different healthcare providers and organizations in an interoperable way. This interconnectedness, driven by technologies and regulations like the 21st Century Cures Act, improve care coordination, patient safety, and efficiency by allowing authorized users to access a complete patient picture, integrate data with patient-facing health apps, and contribute to better quality of care through data analysis.

EHRs are the next step in the continued progress of healthcare that can strengthen the relationship between patients and clinicians.  The data, and the timeliness and availability of it, will enable providers to make better decisions and provide better care.

For example, the EHR can improve patient care by:

• Reducing the incidence of medical error by improving the accuracy and clarity of medical records.
• Making the health information available, reducing duplication of tests, reducing delays in treatment, and patients well informed to take better decisions.
• Reducing medical error by improving the accuracy and clarity of medical records.