It is the digital version of a patient’s paper chart used by a single clinic, medical office, or health care facility.

Instead of relying on physical files, an EMR allows health care providers to record, update, and review patient information electronically. This makes it easier to track medical history, monitor changes over time, manage follow-ups, and identify when a patient may need preventive care or screening.

However, most EMR systems are limited to the organization that uses them. For example, your family doctor, walk-in clinic, specialist, or hospital may each use separate systems. This means your health information can become scattered across different providers, making it harder for clinicians to access a complete picture of your medical history when you need care.