- Why are we changing to an electronic medical record?
- What does this mean to me?
- Will I be trained?
- What device will be available for me to access the new EMR system?
- Can patient information be compromised?
- What happens when computers crash?
- Who can answer any questions or concerns I have about EMR?
Why are we changing to an electronic medical record?
Electronic record keeping is quickly becoming the standard in health care organizations across the nation and in our community. EMR also brings a variety of benefits to providers and the patient:
- Eliminates the need for storage of paper records
- Ensures accuracy with build-in safety measures
- Improves efficiency by reducing the need to complete patient information repeatedly
- Access to patient information is easier and more efficient
- Ability to be shared between departments
- Increased security of the patient information
What does this mean to me?
Patient records will become more computer-based as clinicians begin documenting electronically.
In October, physicians will be able to view lab and radiology reports and documentation through the new EMR system. During a transition period, the existing Physician Portal will be phased out and replaced with a more comprehensive online application that is part of the overall EMR system.
The EMR initiative expected to go-live in October and will have the following impact:
- Nursing documentation will not longer be hand written. It will be entered electronically.
- ECC and The Breast Center physicians will enter orders electronically in new EMR system.
- All physicians will view orders, results and nursing documentation through the new EMR system.
- Physicians, excluding those who work in the Emergency Care Center and The Breast Center, will not begin electronic documentation until the next phase of the EMR project in 2011.
Will I be trained?
Yes, training on accessing and viewing patient information in the new EMR system will be available to you closer to go-live in October.
Additional information and updates about the EMR project will be provided to you through various communication methods including this physician-specific newsletter.
What device will be available for me to access the new EMR system?
Physicians will be able to access electronic medical records with any computer with Internet access. Computer workstations and tablets are currently available in the areas already utilizing an EMR. More computers will be purchased and placed in the hospital to meet the demand EMR will bring.
Can patient information be compromised?
Cerner has multiple levels of protection for this information, both electronic and physical. The electronic system is more reliable and secure than a paper-based system. Security features include the following:
- Certified for HIPAA
- Encrypted database
- Multiple back-ups and off-site storage protect the records from natural disasters
- Login password protection
- Reduces uncertainties due to illegibility
- Avoids damaged or misplaced charts and folders
What happens when computers crash?
One of the things we insisted on in choosing a vendor was an outstanding backup system and downtime operations plan. All of our information is stored on a remote server in another city that has several layers of disaster recovery capability. There will be occasional downtimes to give us time to update our software, to backup our information and to perform routine maintenance. We have a downtime plan in place for which all staff who use the systems will receive training.
Who can answer any questions or concerns I have about EMR?
If you have additional questions or concerns about the implementation of electronic medical records at Floyd contact an EMR physician liasion at 706.509.5015 or email emr@floyd.org.
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