Electronic medical records (EMRs) are a digital version of the paper charts in the clinician's office. An EMR contains the medical and treatment history of the patients in one practice. EMRs have advantages over paper records.

The best way to learn about your family health history is to ask questions, talk at family gatherings, draw a family tree and record health information. If possible, look at death certificates and family medical records.

Implementing an EMR system could cost a single physician approximately 163,765 dollars.