01/Glossary · Clinics
Electronic Health Records (EHR) — EHR / HCE
Digital system where the doctor records consultations, diagnoses, prescriptions, and patient files. Replaces the paper chart.
02/Full definition
The Electronic Health Record (EHR) is the system where all patient medical care is documented: SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan), vitals, prescriptions, lab results, files (X-rays, clinical photos), allergies, and family history. It must be encrypted and comply with Costa Rica's Law 8968 on Data Protection and with HIPAA if it handles US patients.
03/In Costa Rica context
A custom EHR for a private clinic or practice costs USD 2,500–8,000 by features (telemedicine, lab integrations, insurance billing). Patient data legally belongs to the patient (Law 8968), but the clinic is the custodian. The system must allow exporting data in standard format (CSV, FHIR) if the patient requests it.
04/Related reading on the site
05/Related terms
06/Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Are EHRs mandatory in Costa Rica?▾
For CCSS yes (EDUS system). For private clinics not legally mandatory, but the Medical Association recommends keeping records — digital or paper — for at least 10 years. Going digital reduces errors and enables remote access.
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