Company Blog and News

As many medical providers already know, Providence Alaska Medical Center is adopting a new electronic medical record (EMR) system on Feb. 26, 2011. This new system, called Epic, will replace a wide range of existing software systems and paper processes at Providence. It will create an environment that is focused on patients, with a “single point of truth” for their health information. 

As providers, you may currently be using ProvPort to access your patients’ records. ProvPort will no longer contain current information on Feb. 26, 2011, when Epic goes live. A new program called EpicCare Link will replace it, and allow for improved access to the records you need. In addition, it will allow you and your designated staff the ability to perform order entry, and includes real time results generated by your patients on your opening login screen.

In order to have seamless access to this critical information, please fill out the EpicCare Link application today. One form, the EpicCare Link User Agreement Form, needs to be filled out once for your entire practice/office. A second form, called the EpicCare Link User Authorization Form, needs to be filled out by each individual who needs access to these records (physicians, allied health professionals, nurses, medical assistants, clerical support staff, etc.).

Patients who use services at Providence (including Providence Imaging Center) will have new access to medical records as well. Medical providers can electronically release results to their patients via a portal called MyChart (a product that comes with the EPIC EMR). For example, if a patient comes to Providence Imaging Center for a foot x-ray (it must be a finalized results, signed by the radiologist), s/he can view the results on a web-enabled computer with a secure username/password. The results must first be reviewed by the ordering clinician, and then released to MyChart.

We are excited to begin using this new EMR, and our staff is currently training in a practice environment to become familiar with Epic's new look and feel. Please bear with us as we transition to the new system on February 28th. We may need a little extra time with you while scheduling your appointment on the phone, or while helping patients check-in for exams. We may also have a higher call volume from medical providers, who may need a little extra help navigating in EpicCare Link. Many of these providers who are credentialed at Providence Hospital are learning how to use the new system as well.

Are you a clinician with questions?  Learn more on Providence Hospital’s web site at providence.org/alaska/medstaff/epicupdate.htm Medical providers  may also download and print the EpicCare Link forms there.