I have heard other terms like EMR. Is this the same thing?
There are many terms and phrases such as electronic medical record (EMR) or clinical information system (CIS) that you may have heard. The electronic health record is comprised of your patient chart as well as records from labs, other physicians and health information you may add through a source such as an online patient portal.

What is included in the electronic record?

All of your medical information, including but not limited to, your medical history, allergies, medications, notes the physician makes about your visit, lab tests, and digital versions of your X-rays.

Are my old records in there too?

We will not be scanning old paper patient charts into the new system. As of October 2007, we started documenting patient visits in the new system. When you come in for your first visits after the system is in use, we will enter your demographic information, allergies and other medical history into the system. If we need to add information from your paper record into your chart, we will do that on a case by case basis. We will maintain your paper chart in storage for reference.

Can I see it?

Yes you can. Simply ask your physician.

Can I still get a copy of my record?

Yes. You can still request a copy of your medical record through the registration desk.

Is this why you now have computers in the rooms and hallways?

Yes. The computers are used to view and enter medical information during your visit.

What does this mean for me?

It means that all your information from visits at any Livingston HealthCare facility will be consolidated into one electronic record. This very secure electronic chart has up-to-the-minute information and can be securely accessed by physicians from anywhere. It improves access to the most timely information, which can improve safety and overall care. For example, if you recently reported an allergy to your doctor at Park Clinic, it would be entered in your electronic chart. If you then went to the ER at Livingston Memorial, they would see the same allergy information when you checked in.

Is the electronic chart private?

The electronic medical record is very private. Only authorized personnel can access your record and a wide range of security features prevent access by outsiders such as computer hackers. In fact, our secure wireless system (the system that moves data between the computers) uses an encryption algorithm that has been approved for use by the U.S. government for transmission of classified data.

Why are you doing this now, when you’re building a new hospital and clinic?

Implementing this system is so important to both quality of care and patient safety that it can’t wait. Electronic health records are a national priority and President Bush is working towards an electronic record for every American by 2010. This technology is the future of medicine for many reasons. These solutions improve the quality of care, reduce costs and make medical providers more efficient. We will take the system with us to the new hospital and may even design some aspects of the new facility around the improved workflow created by the electronic system.

When will it be done?

Setting up an electronic health record system is a very detailed process. We estimate that it will take a total of 18 - 24 months to include all Livingston HealthCare departments. Currently, it is scheduled to be done in spring 2009.

What are the benefits of an electronic chart?

To see our list of EHR benefits, click here.