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Cerner EMR – everything you need to know

(including the fact that Cerner software is actually an EHR – but more on this later!)

(and Cerner is now called Oracle Health, read on to learn why…)

Welcome to the world of the Cerner EMR software! As healthcare technology continues to evolve, more and more hospitals and clinics are implementing more modern electronic medical record systems in order to streamline processes and improve patient care. Among these systems, Cerner EMR is a popular choice for its robust features and modern interface.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking to learn more about this system, or a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO) of a hospital that has already purchased Millennium and is at – or just about to reach – the Go-Live stage, this article will provide you with everything you need to know about getting the most from this EMR system.

But first….

Is Cerner an EMR or EHR?

The question often arises, is Cerner an EMR (Electronic Medical Record) or an EHR (Electronic Health Record)? It’s vital to understand the difference between these two terms to gain a proper understanding of the Cerner system.

What is an EMR?

An EMR is a digital version of a patient’s paper medical chart that contains the patient’s medical history, diagnoses, medications, and other treatment information. It is primarily used by healthcare professionals within one organization and does not share patient data with other healthcare systems.

What is an EHR?

An EHR is more comprehensive electronic patient records that includes all the information in an EMR but can also be shared with other healthcare providers and organizations involved in a patient’s care. This provides a more complete view of the patient’s health, allowing for better coordination and collaboration between different healthcare professionals.

So to answer the question, Cerner is an EHR system that includes EMR capabilities.

For ease we’ll refer to both terms throughout this article.

Is it Cerner or Oracle Health?

Technically, the platform is now referred to as Oracle Health, following Oracle’s acquisition of Cerner in June 2022. So we’ll reference both in this article. Also, the company refers to its platform as “Millennium”.

We didn’t call this guide “everything you need to know” for nothing!

What are the Cerner Millennium EMR components?

Now that we have clarified what Cerner EMR or indeed Cerner EHR is, let’s dive into its components, or “offerings” as they refer to them. These include:

• Core clinical solutions

This includes the basic features of the EHR such as patient demographics, medication management, and clinical documentation. These are useful for all healthcare professionals regardless of specialty.

• Specialized solutions

As the name suggests, these components cater to specialized areas such as maternity care, oncology, and surgery. This allows for a more tailored experience based on the specific needs of different departments.

• Data and research

Cerner offers tools for data analytics and research, allowing healthcare organizations to gather insights and identify trends within their patient population. This can lead to improved decision-making, cost savings, and better patient outcomes.

• Population health management

This offering allows healthcare organizations to analyze trends in their patient populations and make data-driven decisions for better care outcomes.

Cerner Millennium is used in many different countries. It is very flexible and has many configuration options. Part of this involves providing users with access to the documentation and tools that allow them to innovate on top of Cerner’s open platforms. However, obtaining the sufficient knowledge of Millennium to be able to implement the ever-evolving needs of a hospital may be a challenge for a team with limited time and knowledge. But, with EHR Enhancify at your side as your EHR consultant, anything is possible.

What are the Cerner EMR modules?

Cerner’s main EHR product is the Cerner Millennium platform as mentioned above. But, within that system, you can plug in additional modules should you need to. These include:

• Cerner SurgiNet, a module predominantly dedicated to managing surgical and procedural interventions

• Cerner FirstNet, which is a system created specifically for emergency departments

• Cerner RadNet Radiology Information System (RIS), a system for managing radiology workflows

• Cerner PowerChart, which includes the EHR functionality for ambulatory or outpatient services

• CareTracker by Cerner, for long-term care facilities to document resident information, track medications and treatments, and manage resident care plans

• Cerner Millennium PathNet, Laboratory Information System (LIS) which manages laboratory workflow and processes, and

• Cerner Millennium Maternity – an electronic record specifically tailored to expectant mothers and their newborns.

These are just a few of the many modules available, and Cerner, or Oracle Health, continues to develop new offerings to meet the ever-changing needs of healthcare organizations.

How do you use Cerner EMR?

For many years, hospitals have been moving away from old medical record systems and a model of having many departmental applications from different vendors. They now use a modern EHR that has many functionalities and customization options. Users now need EHR vendors to continue to develop and improve their EHRs.

Cerner is meeting this demand and its EHR has been designed to be highly customizable, allowing organizations to tailor the interface and workflows to their specific needs.

Generally, users can access Cerner EHR through a web browser or mobile device. This means they can access patient information from anywhere with an internet connection.

What are the benefits of using Cerner EMR?

There are numerous advantages to using Cerner EHR, including:

• Improved efficiency and accuracy

With a digital system, healthcare professionals can quickly access patient information and make updates in real-time, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall efficiency.

• Better coordination and communication

With an EHR system like Cerner Millennium, all healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care have access to the same information. This makes it easier to coordinate treatment plans and communicate with other providers involved in the patient’s care.

• Enhanced patient engagement

Through features such as online patient portals and secure messaging, Cerner EMR allows patients to have more control over their health information and communicate with their healthcare providers.

• Streamlined processes

Cerner EMR integrates various systems and processes. This  reduces the need for manual data entry and paperwork. This can save time and resources for healthcare organizations.

• Improved population health management

With tools for data analytics and research, Cerner EMR allows healthcare organizations to identify trends and patterns within their patient population, leading to better decision-making and improved health outcomes.

• Customizability

As mentioned above, Cerner (Oracle Health) values innovation and provides users with access to the documentation and tools that allow them to modify the platform to meet their specific needs. This includes the creation of Custom MPages, which are personalized dashboards that allow users to customize their EHR experience based on their specific needs and workflows.

For an example of what EHR Enhancify can create for you, take a look at our diabetes predictor MPage.

What are the challenges of using Cerner Millennium?

While there are many benefits to using Cerner EHR software, there can also be challenges. We’re a huge fan of the Cerner Millennium system and will help you overcome any of the following challenges but this wouldn’t be the ultimate guide to the Cerner EMR if we didn’t cover this question off.

The challenges include:

• Implementation

Implementing a new EHR system can be a significant undertaking for healthcare organizations. It requires careful planning, training, and coordination to ensure a smooth transition. While Cerner (or Oracle Health) does provide onboarding when you sign up, many organizations do require additional help to ensure it meets their exact needs.

Learn about help with Cerner Millennium onboarding from EHR Enhancify.

• Cost

The cost of implementing and maintaining an EHR system like Cerner Millennium can be significant. This includes not only the software itself but also hardware, training, and ongoing support. For an affordable solution to training or hiring additional support, learn about expanding your team to include a EHR Enhancify consultant.

Learn other ways to maximise the ROI of your Oracle Health EHR.

• User adoption

Like with any new system, user adoption can be a challenge. Getting all healthcare providers on board with using Cerner Millennium may require time and resources for training and providing support to those who may struggle with technology.

• Technical issues

As with any technology, technical issues can arise that may affect the usability and functionality of Cerner Millennium. These issues may require IT support and disruption for healthcare providers.

Let us help you overcome any technical issues with troubleshooting support.

While these challenges may seem daunting, with the right support and resources, they can be overcome.

At EHR Enhancify, we have a team of experts dedicated to helping healthcare organizations successfully navigate their Cerner EHR journey. Learn more about how we can help you optimize your use of Cerner Millennium by contacting us today.

We’ve reached the end of this run-through of Cerner’s EHR but, the end of this guide does not mean the end of your journey with Cerner. We will continue to support you and your organization in utilizing all that the Cerner EHR has to offer. How would you like to get started?