New EPIC Electronic Health Record is now live at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Clinics; Delays may be experienced with initial check-in
The new EPIC Electronic Health Record is now live at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon after an entire year of preparation by the staff, with the help of the University of Iowa Health Care team. The system was fully implemented this past week and offers a number of advantages for patients, their families as well as the hospital and clinics, but the hospital would like all to be aware that some changes will be noticed at a patient’s next visit.
All patients, even if just returning for regular therapy multiple times per week, will now need to check in at the reception desk near the main entrance upon entering the hospital. Insurance cards will need to be shared as the staff will need to scan and enter all information into each patient’s account since this EPIC system is brand new. The hospital and clinics would like to forewarn their patients that this process may delay their check-in the first time after beginning this new system and asks for understanding and patience as the hospital and clinics undergo this transition.
One of the biggest advantages of transitioning to the EPIC system is the availability of the MyChart patient portal. Many individuals in the area already have a MyChart account from other health care facilities. Veterans Memorial Hospital will now be linked with this portal, which offers the following advantages:
• All of the patient’s health information in one place - medications, test results, upcoming appointments, medical bills, price estimates and more, even if utilizing multiple health care organizations.
• Quickly schedule appointments and find care - make appointments, complete pre-visit tasks, and check in, all from home.
• Connect with the patient’s medical provider from anywhere - send a message, get online diagnosis and treatment, and arrange to follow-up, if needed.
• Take care of children and other family members - all from one account.
Veterans Memorial Hospital and Clinics will have materials and staff available to help patients get signed up to the MyChart portal at their next appointment, and if they have a current account, help them link it with this new local system.
