Info

University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina has surged forward in its efforts to improve patient care by investing $24 million in a system that has the potential to fully connect health care providers in eastern North Carolina into one computer-based system of electronic medical records. Although University Health Systems has used electronic medical records for nearly six years, this initiative is more integrated and will combine every aspect of the patient's medical history into a single record, housed in one database. As a result, physicians and other clinical staff will have convenient, timely access to appropriate information through one secure system. The project has the potential to fully connect health providers in eastern North Carolina into one computer-based system of medical records and represents UHS' commitment to anticipate the challenges that the healthcare industry will face in the coming years. "A unified system of electronic medical records will help us improve the delivery of healthcare to every person in eastern North Carolina," said Dave McRae, CEO of University Health Systems. "It also will help us offer better service to our patients by making it much easier to coordinate medical information for patients in rural and sometimes remote locations. This system also will enhance the quality of care among all healthcare providers in the region, including those not associated with UHS." Similar to the current electronic medical record system, the new system will give clinical staff access to records of every patient stay, office visit, lab test or X-ray result. The new system also will include additional information such as images, medications, physician notes and "best practices" for any given diagnosis. Patients also will have access to their medical records and the ability to communicate with their health care providers through a secure, controlled system that also features a range of self-service options, including appointment scheduling, educational materials and bill payment. The initiative also has the potential to help rural physicians keep up with changing technology designed to improve patient care. By leveraging the strength of its systems and network, UHS will help those physicians connect with the system in a cost-effective manner. Bill Bedsole, president and CEO of Beaufort County Hospital in Washington, N.C., said the new system will help his organization get access to technology that otherwise would not be affordable for smaller rural hospitals. "We're excited about the opportunity to partner with University Health Systems in the installation of this system," Bedsole said. "Our affiliation and close referral relationship with UHS makes this technology solution extremely attractive, particularly when you consider that we share many of the same patients, and an integrated electronic medical record will certainly enhance our ability to jointly deliver safe effective healthcare. And, quite frankly, participation in this joint effort allows us to access technology that would otherwise be unaffordable for smaller rural hospitals."