What is the Medical Glossary?

Browse our complete A-Z glossary of medical terms, drugs, conditions, procedures, hospitals, and healthcare organizations.

What healthcare terms are defined in the MedicalRecords.com glossary?

The MedicalRecords.com glossary covers medical records terminology, healthcare IT acronyms, insurance terms, clinical vocabulary, regulatory terms (HIPAA, HITECH), and EHR/EMR industry definitions. It is designed for patients, healthcare professionals, and technology buyers seeking clear explanations.

What does EMR stand for in healthcare?

EMR stands for Electronic Medical Record. It is a digital version of the paper charts kept in a clinician's office, containing a patient's medical and treatment history from a single practice. Unlike EHRs (Electronic Health Records), EMRs are not typically designed to share information outside the practice.

What is HIPAA and why does it matter for medical records?

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law that establishes standards to protect sensitive patient health information. Under HIPAA, patients have the right to access and obtain copies of their medical records, and covered entities must respond to records requests within 30 days.

What is the difference between an EHR and an EMR?

An EMR (Electronic Medical Record) is a digital record used within a single practice. An EHR (Electronic Health Record) is designed to be shared across multiple healthcare settings — different physicians, hospitals, labs, and specialists — giving a broader view of a patient's care history.

Skip to main content

1-888-MED-RECS·Support·Login

Request Records

Loading...

A U.S.-focused healthcare information site with public educational resources, directories, comparisons, and medical-records request coordination where available.

HTTPS Authenticated Access

For Patients

Get Medical Records
Find Hospitals
Find Doctors
Patient Portals

For Providers

EMR Selection
EMR Matching Tool
AI Tools
CMS G-Codes
Our Methodology
Free Tools

Resources

Data Breaches
Insurance & Appeals
Legal & Accountability
How It Works
Pricing

Company & Legal

About
Press
Specialized Sites
Advisory Board
Contact
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Editorial Policy

Sitemap·Do Not Sell My Info

MedicalRecords.com is not a healthcare provider, law firm, health plan, or financial adviser. Legal intake and attorney matching are not currently available. Educational content, EMR comparisons, and AI tool research do not constitute legal, medical, financial, or purchasing advice. Product outcomes are not guaranteed. Review our security and privacy pages for the implemented controls and their assurance boundaries.

Request Your Records