Questions and answers about EHR

What is Electronic Health Records (EHR)?
EHR, a national initiative, is an electronic system for charting your health and medical records, which will eventually replace paper charts and records. You will notice HMC staff and your Provider carrying portable computers. Your previous health information will be reviewed, and your new information will be added via that same computer, to create your Electronic Health Record.

Why have we moved to EHR?
The answer is simple, better patient care. Current updated information will be more accessible to those who need it, and will be delivered faster than with traditional paper charts. For example, having HMC patient’s Electronic Health Records quickly accessible for ER physicians is a significant benefit and long-term goal of EHR.

The objective among health care Providers throughout the nation will be to eventually have secured access to every patient’s Electronic Health Record, to provide seamless care when and where it is needed.

Will your health records and medical information be secure?
Yes, the information documented in your Electronic Health Record will be safe, secure and confidential. Patient confidentiality is a serious matter for all health care Providers, and security is a significant part of EHR. Access is only granted to those who require specific information, and access is granted only at the appropriate level. EHR provides an electronic tracking system that keeps a virtual record of each time your electronic health record was accessed, and by whom. EHR adds a new level of security to your health record.

As a patient, what can you expect during the transition?
During the transition period, you may experience delays in regular procedures like scheduling an appointment, getting an answer for a billing question, getting a prescription, and seeing your Provider. You may also be asked to update your information, including health records and insurance coverage. Please remember these delays are temporary.

What will happen to your previous paper records?
Over the course of time, electronic information and records will replace the majority of your health information. However, we are required to maintain paper records of essential information, and that paper chart will still be accessible.

How can you access or get your Electronic Health Records?
Access to any patient’s health record is limited and secure. For patient safety and confidentiality, you will not be able to go to a web site, type in a personal code or password, and access your health information. Your records can only be accessed directly through your Provider.

Will the process of getting a prescription change?
No, the process will stay the same. However, EHR will take the handwriting out of prescriptions and make it more efficient. The printed prescription will be faxed to your chosen pharmacy before you leave the exam room, or given directly to you.

“Our focus is to always be improving patient care. EHR is a national initiative; and at Hutchinson Medical Center, we want to be at the forefront and play a leading role in its implementation.

During the transition we’re asking all of those we serve to be patient and please bear with us until EHR is fully implemented”

- Heather Scholl, C.N.P


For more information about EHR, please visit www.stratushealth.org