By Kelly Fry After a year of behind-thescenes hard work, Kootenai Health successfully implemented its new electronic health record, Epic, on March 12. This implementation was the culmination of more than 12 months of technical configuration and countless hours of staff planning and training. This single, upgraded health record replaces 11 separate electronic health records (EHR), making patient care more secure, seamless and complete. Epic is the preferred EHR system in the U.S. and is used by most health care organizations within 40 miles of Kootenai Health. This interconnectivity means all health care providers can efficiently share information— making care seamless and referrals and transfers easier. “Our new electronic health record system puts all of a patient’s information in one place,” Ready for MyChart? Visit mychart.kh.org, or download the mobile app using the QR code above. Questions? Call (208) 625-3200. Amanda Jackson, M.D., Kootenai Health chief medical information officer Introducing All of your health information, now in your pocket! MyChart Provided by Kootenai Health Kootenai Health Chief Medical Information Officer Amanda Jackson, M.D., said. “When a physician is able to access a patient’s complete medical record, it makes patient care safer and more effective.” All inoneplace One of the most beneficial features of Kootenai Health’s new EHR is its easy-to-use online patient portal called MyChart. “MyChart allows patients to be at the center of the health care experience. Patients can register on their computer, or on a mobile app, and have easy access to their medical record online,” Dr. Jackson said. “Patients will no longer have to navigate different systems and logins. From therapies to primary care, procedures to test results— everything is in one place.” MyChart includes many convenient features that were not available in past systems. With MyChart, patients can send a message to their care team with routine questions, view upcoming appointments, review discharge instructions, immediately view lab and radiology results, pay a bill and request prescription refills with the touch of a button. Instant access “One of the best features is the instant access to test results,” said Dr. Jackson. “If you are registered for the mobile app notifications, you will receive an alert when there is new information—like a test result— the moment it is available.” Dr. Jackson said it is important to remember that with this new speed, there may be instances when patients view results before their physician has had a chance to review them. “We know our patients appreciate the speed and transparency in their care, which is why we are providing results so quickly,” Dr. Jackson said. “But sometimes there will be instances when the test result requires next steps in your plan of care. For these instances, our health care team is committed to getting back to patients as soon as possible, usually within one business day.” Patients who are ready to use MyChart can ask for an instant activation code at their next Kootenai Health visit or log on to mychart.kh.org to register online. “Our physicians love the comprehensive record, our patients love the user-friendly interface,” Dr. Jackson said. “It’s truly a win-win.” KH . ORG 5
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