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Published on August 15, 2011

Electronic Medical Records Launched at Gratiot 

MidMichigan Medical Center-Gratiot launched an electronic medical record (EMR) on Saturday, August 13. 

EMR Patient PhotoThe installation of an electronic medical record (EMR) system is being implemented throughout MidMichigan Health. The Medical Centers in Midland, Clare and Gladwin went live with the EMR earlier this year. Electronic health records (EHRs) are also being implemented in physician practices.

The EMR is a tool that supplies clinicians with real-time patient information. With the EMR, patients have a single, secure medical record across all MidMichigan Health locations. 

“The EMR further enhances our ability to collaborate across patient care settings and to improve patient outcomes,” said Mark E. Bush, Medical Center– Gratiot president and CEO. “Two of the most important benefits achieved by an implementation of the EMR and adoption of best practices, are increased patient safety and enhanced quality of care,” Bush said.

“With the EMR, patients have one record that follows their care. Patients will soon recognize the new system’s efficiency when their health care providers no longer have to spend time tracking down their chart and they no longer have to provide registration information entries multiple times within the same visit to the Medical Center. Access to the patient’s record is available giving the right information to the right caregiver at the right time,” Bush said. 

Additional Benefits

  • Improved record legibility, accuracy and completeness.
  • Allergies and adverse drug reactions prominently displayed.
  • Test results sent directly to patients’ medical charts.
  • Prescriptions sent electronically directly to the pharmacy.
  • Printed discharge summaries, including education and prescription information, are written in understandable terms and given to the patient upon request.
  • Patients are no longer required to repeat their medical history information, medications and insurance information.

From the moment a doctor orders a new medication, diagnostic test or procedure, the information is handled securely and is available within seconds to clinicians. Patient confidentiality is protected by the EMR. The only individuals who have access to a patient’s medical chart are those who must view it to provide care. Additionally, following the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) patient privacy guidelines, EMR access is regularly monitored. 

By the end of 2011, the EMR at MidMichigan Health will include computerized physician order entry, which means all patient orders, prescriptions and care instructions will be recorded electronically by the physician.

In addition to the inpatient EMR, Allscripts, an electronic medical record for practitioners in their offices, was launched in May 2010 in the Family Practice Center at MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland. Plans have been developed to roll out this office-based EMR to both employed and private physicians in other locales by the first quarter of 2012.