The terms electronic medical record (EMR) and electronic health record (EHR) are being used interchangeably at present. Although there are overlapping functionalities for the computer-based systems, most experts differentiate the two by ownership and patient access to the information.

The EMR is a record of medical care delivered within an enterprise. The provider organization populates and maintains the record for the purpose of performing services at the point of care. The provider owns the record, which can serve as a legal document of care delivered.

Core components of an EMR usually include a clinical data repository, computer-based order entry and results reporting, clinical decision support, point-of-care documentation and an electronic medication administration record, and interoperability with a picture archiving and communications system and laboratory, radiology and pharmacy information systems.

The EHR mirrors many of the attributes of, and ideally interoperates with, the EMR. But the EHR encompasses a broader range of health-related data, including compiled historical, current and even future medical information from a variety of sources. As such, it is not owned by a single entity. The individual has increased rights of ownership and access to his or her EHR information.