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After two years of preparation and training, the Murray County Medical Center is thrilled to announce they have launched the new Epic software system for Electronic Medical Records or what are sometimes called Electronic Health Records. Chief Information Officer Justin Keller commented the new system went live a few weeks ago and though there have been a few challenges, the system is working quite well.
Epic was founded in 1979, and has grown to 10,000 employees at its Verona, Wisconsin headquarters. Hospitals that use Epic software hold medical records of just over half of the patients in the United States and it is the top EMR industry wide. Luke Schryvers, MCMC Chief Executive Officer remarked, “Our former system was installed in 2009 and though that doesn’t seem very old it was quite outdated.” Epic is an expensive software system and it can only be used through another system, like Sanford. When MCMC renegotiated their contract with Sanford, the collaboration made the installation of Epic not only possible but financially feasible. Mr. Keller stated, “It’s been a long process that started two years ago with technology meetings and a steering committee with Sanford. They helped us shore up our security holes and examine the whole network to ‘sunset’ our older systems. Then Sanford came on site for a walk-through and helped us determine our needs; where we would need document scanners, barcode scanners, computers, etc. Every department in the clinic and hospital had to train and prepare for the changes.” Mr. Schryvers added, “When we launched a few weeks ago, there were forty-five staff from Sanford here on site and others off-site ready to respond. They were very complimentary of our staff, noting that we were well trained and prepared for the update.”
The new system will streamline patient care within the clinic and hospital but also improve continuity with other providers using the Epic system, such as Sioux Falls, Worthington, Tracy, Luverne and the Mayo Clinic. There are more safety mechanisms built in that will alert a provider to possible allergic reactions, medications to avoid and suggestions for healthcare screenings. Barcode scanners will also improve safety and data will move more efficiently between providers. Mr. Schryvers said patients may notice their provider entering more notations into the computer during an appointment, but this will save them time later. “Epic is a system that makes everyone’s job easier. We’ll use less paper and this will save our staff time. Even five minutes here and five min utes there adds up.” Mr. Keller added, “Epic also prepares us for upcoming trends in healthcare and it is top of the line for patient privacy and safety.”
Neither MCMC administrator anticipated the number of hours that would be required for training and meetings the past fifteen months, but they both agreed the long hours are worth the outcome. Mr Schryvers remarked, “And all of this was during Covid! Our staff really need to be commended.”
