Electronic Health Record

We're implementing a new system for managing your medical information. Commonly referred to as an "electronic health record" (EHR), this technology helps advance our abilities and your care.

Phase two, currently being implemented, involves using computers instead of paper charts to document your care. We will input your information directly into the computer instead of recording it on paper and storing it in a paper chart.

This will allow our staff to give even better care to patients. The chart will be completely electronic and accessible at a keystroke to your clinician.

Please be patient with us as we learn a new way to do things. We are working hard to serve you better.

What does this mean to me?

Changes will be gradual. Changes you may have noticed over the last year include:

You may no longer receive paper prescriptions
At some point during the implementation, your provider will stop writing new prescriptions on paper and will transmit them electronically to your pharmacy. When that happens, you will no longer receive a paper copy to bring to your pharmacy.

However, if you use a mail order pharmacy, you will continue to send them your written prescriptions. Please remember to request them in advance from your clinic. If it has been some time since your last visit with your clinician, you may be asked to schedule an appointment before your next prescription is filled.

A change to the prescription refill process
In the past, you may have contacted the clinic to renew your prescription. Now, we ask that you contact your pharmacy directly for all prescription renewals, even if it says "no refills." This direct communication between your clinic and your pharmacy will ensure that your pharmacy has the most accurate information, and will reduce the possibility of medication errors.

Why an EHR?

Our EHR will help us better care for patients. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, EHRs help to:

Improve health care quality
Increase patient safety
Reduce health care costs
Reduce errors
Enable individuals and communities to make the best possible health decisions

Is my electronic information secure?

The security of your information is one of our top priorities. As with the paper record, only people who are taking part in your care are authorized to view your medical record.

What if I need to transfer my medical records?

We are able to print out all of the information contained in your electronic record so that you may take a copy to a different provider.

What if the computers break or stop functioning?

All of the information in your electronic record is backed up so that it cannot be lost. If the computer system is unavailable for a short time, a paper system will be used temporarily.