We live in a digital world and have for some time. Although most of us shop, bank, and book our vacations online, many still haven’t made the move to electronically managing our health.
An electronic health record, or EHR, is a digital collection of your health information and medical history maintained by your health-care provider. Information that once was handwritten in paper charts is now entered into the electronic medical record with mouth clicks, keystrokes, and voice recognition software.
Mercy Health has utilized computerized physician order entry for many years. In 2010, Mercy Health began a phased implementation of Epic Systems software across all markets that is called CarePATH. This not only allowed providers throughout Mercy Health, located in Ohio and Kentucky, to have easy access to patient data but also allowed the information to be securely shared with other health systems throughout the country. Our patients on vacation can rest assured that doctors likely have access to their medical history if an emergency occurred.
Electronic Health Records – and the timeliness and availability of the data – have enabled healthcare providers to make better decisions and provide better care. For example, the EHR can improve patient care by:
■ Improving the accuracy and clarity of medical records, therefore reducing the chance of medical errors;
■ Eliminating the possibility of ordering duplicative tests; and
■ Creating better informed patients, allowing them to make better decisions about their own care.
Putting health information at a doctor’s fingertips is only the first step. Well informed patients are one of the most beneficial aspects of implementing an EHR. Mercy Health engages patients by offering web-based access to their health record through a program known as MyChart. Accessible both online and via a mobile app, Mercy Health My Chart encourages patients to become more involved in their own wellbeing.
Mercy Health MyChart is encrypted so it is very secure. An email is sent to the patient indicating that there is new information in MyChart. The patient then logs into the system to receive the information.
At no time is actual health information sent to an email address.
So what can Mercy Health patients find out by logging online or opening your MyChart app? Schedule, request or cancel appointments; check current and past test results; request a prescription refill; ask your doctor a question; review your medical history; see your doctor’s notes from your appointment; provide information access to referring doctors.
I encourage my patients to engage in Mercy Health My Chart as a way to keep track of any sort of chronic condition they may have. Patients have access to their test results as well as imaging reports, such as x-rays. They also have access to their immunization records and medication history. Another important aspect is the ability to stay on top of preventative care and health maintenance. Do you need to schedule a mammogram? MyChart will remind you. Are you due for a colonoscopy? MyChart will let you know.
When used to its fullest potential, this patient access point can help you be an active participant in your health. Additionally, parents and guardians can link their children’s accounts to their own, allowing proxy access the records of other members in your family.
All this, even when your doctor’s office is closed.
E-Visits
Physicians and health systems recognize how busy schedules mean that there never seems to be enough hours in the day. That means that health can suffer, for a variety of reasons. Not only do people find that it’s harder to take care of themselves, but a visit to the doctor seems nearly impossible to squeeze into the day.
Don’t let your health suffer.
E-Visits allows patients to contact their healthcare providers electronically about more common medical problems which may require medical attention, but not necessarily an office visit. Currently, E-Visits are available at Mercy Health for the following problems: Sinus, cold, and/or cough; diarrhea; heartburn; back pain; urinary problems; headache; poison Ivy.
E-Visits are a convenient way to get help with non-urgent medical issues. If you have a condition that needs attention right away, please call your doctor’s office or for medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.
Like all technology, electronic health records are consistently evolving to make healthcare easier for both patients and physicians. So be sure to check your health record even if you don’t have an appointment as there may be new messages to keep you informed.
For more information about Electronic Health Records, talk to your doctor. At Mercy Health, MyChart users can talk to a live expert if they have any questions by calling 844-55-CHART. Ask your healthcare provider to learn about what sort of EHR is available to you and how to access it.
Dr. Robert Heizelman practices family medicine at Mercy Health Perrysburg Family Medicine.
