WY Health System Cites Patient Experience for Epic EHR Implementation

Wyoming-based Cody Regional Health (CRH) has decided to transition away from MEDITECH and go live with an Epic EHR implementation starting on October 1, 2022.

The simultaneous go-live will involve all of CRH’s medical clinics around the Big Horn Basin Region, enabling data exchange of secure patient records across a single sharing platform, the press release stated.

“The team has been working diligently for two years to prepare for this enhanced system,” Doug McMillan, CEO of CRH Health System, said in a public statement. “While it is a very complex process, the benefits of Epic will improve the health of our patients and provide greater support to our clinical teams. We are excited to start the transition to the new Epic system at CRH. Epic will allow patients to easily navigate and view their own records. This is one more way CRH is striving to make our patients’ experience with us a positive one.”

The transition was made possible through a partnership with St. Vincent Healthcare, which is now part of Intermountain Healthcare, and will ideally create a better patient experience.

“Our partnership with Cody Regional Health is an exciting extension of St Vincent Healthcare’s commitment to collaborating with local partners and providing continuity of care to residents throughout northern Wyoming and Montana,” Jen Alderfer, president of St. Vincent Healthcare and market president of the Intermountain Montana and Wyoming market, said.

To supplement data access, patients will gain the ability to use the CRH MyChart patient portal, allowing for easy and quick access to personal health information, CRH mentioned. 

The CRH MyChart is also set to improve patient-provider communication while allowing patients to complete healthcare questionnaires before their visit, schedule appointments, and be more involved in managing their overall health

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.”