CA Hospital Moves to Epic EHR for Interoperability, Patient Experience
The Epic EHR implementation is set to simplify the patient experience by moving patient health data from two portals to a single location.
Sonoma Valley Hospital (SVH), an affiliate of UCSF Health, will transition to an Epic EHR system on December 3 to boost the patient experience and improve interoperability.
The hospital’s EHR implementation will connect healthcare providers through one system and provide patients with 24/7 access to their medical records through Epic’s online patient portal, MyChart.
MyChart replaces two current SVH portals. Patients will be able to access the portal by desktop computer or from most mobile devices using the MyChart app.
“MyChart is the most widely used patient portal across the United States, providing the optimal connection for patients and providers,” John Hennelly, SVH CEO, said in a public statement. “It is designed to improve and grow communication between our patients’ healthcare teams and across various healthcare networks, including UCSF Health.”
MyChart aims to help patients better manage their family’s healthcare. Patients or their medical guardians will be able to access lab test results, medical imaging results, post-care instructions following inpatient discharge, and other health data through the platform.
SVH will send MyChart activation codes to SVH patients who have consented to be communicated with by email or text beginning December 3.
After December 3, patients can register and create their own MyChart account. Individuals already using MyChart can link the SVH MyChart iteration to theirs.
“After we go-live, staff may spend a few more minutes with documentation as we become more proficient,” noted Hennelly. “MyChart is a proven communication tool, providing a central location for your medical information, which is a major reason to convert. We are very excited for our community, patients, care providers, and for the hospital.”
Healthcare experts affirm patient portals can be practical tools for improving patient engagement and satisfaction, proving to be integral bridges between the patient and the provider.
In the past, other healthcare organizations have recognized the importance and enthusiasm for the features the Epic MyChart patient portal offers.
In 2022, Piedmont successfully launched an Epic EHR implementation at its five newest hospitals, gaining patients access to Piedmont My Chart.
“The convenience of Piedmont MyChart is a game changer for our patients across our service area,” said Geoff Brown, chief information officer at Piedmont. “It gives our patients the tools they need to be active participants in their own wellness.”