FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09/01/2020 12:00:00 AM PACIFIC
For more information, contact Gretchen Youngren.
SAMARITAN HEALTHCARE NEARS LAUNCH OF EPIC ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS SYSTEM
MOSES LAKE – Samaritan Healthcare is continuing preparations and training to implement EPIC, which is a system of connecting healthcare providers and patients via their individual electronic health records (EHR)
The EPIC system will securely gather, store, and provide accurate, up-to-date health records to authorized physicians, healthcare providers, and patients. Patient records will be coordinated and available at Samaritan hospital and at both clinics. The EPIC system is set to “go live” on Saturday, September 12th.
“By transitioning to EPIC, each patient will have a single electronic record,” said Dr. Andrea Carter, chief medical officer and physician at Samaritan. “This gives them and their healthcare doctors and providers secure, immediate access to their medical information.”
Samaritan’s upgrade to the world’s most-shared and integrated EHR system is being implemented through a partnership with Providence St. Joseph Health. The upgrade ensures that EPIC communicates well and is accessible by similar electronic systems. Health records will be accessible at Samaritan Hospital, Samaritan Clinic on Pioneer, and Samaritan Clinic on Patton, as well as at other healthcare facilities when people travel beyond the Moses Lake area and need access to them.
“If you visit us during the EPIC system transition, it may take additional time to complete the check in process,” said Dr. Carter, “so we are asking patients to plan to arrive for your scheduled appointment at least 30 minutes early. The advantage is that your medical history, medications, and treatment records will now reside in one place. The new system better connects patients and caregivers, and supports Samaritan’s continued efforts to deliver high-quality care.”
Patients will also be able to easily view their medical records on the My Chart feature of the EPIC system. Whether at work, traveling, or at home, they can check test results, messages from their doctor, and key medical information—even their family’s records. It also conveniently creates one linked billing record—including yearly payments for tax purposes—and allows access to My Chart online to refill prescriptions, pay bills, and more.
