Final answer:
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) provide a comprehensive view of a patient's health history across multiple practices, unlike Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), which are limited to one practice. In terms of beneficiality, EHRs may offer greater advantages due to their comprehensive nature, facilitating better informed healthcare decisions and continuity of care. Privacy, cost and quality of care, and informed patient consent are central considerations in health policy development regarding EHRs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the differences between an Electronic Health Record (EHR) and an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is crucial in health informatics. An EMR is more of a digital version of a patient’s chart specific to one practice, whereas an EHR contains the patient’s records from multiple doctors and provides a more comprehensive view of a patient’s health history. When discussing health policies and privacy, questions that must be addressed include:
- How will data be protected from unauthorized access or breaches?
- What are the protocols for sharing sensitive patient information between providers?
- How do we ensure patient consent and involvement in their information sharing process?
Regarding healthcare payment models, the key difference between a fee-for-service system and a system based on health maintenance organizations (HMOs) lies in payment structure and care coordination. A fee-for-service model charges for each test, treatment, or visit separately, while an HMO offers a pre-paid plan with the focus on preventive care under the care of a primary physician who coordinates all necessary services.