Collaboration to Provide Patients with Integrated Electronic Medical Record

RiverView Health has partnered with Sanford Health to provide its patients with an integrated, state-of-the-art Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. The community-owned health system in northwestern Minnesota has entered into an associate agreement with Sanford Health, effective February 22, 2011.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Sanford to provide our patients with access to the most advanced information systems available. Hospitals, particularly those in smaller towns, face tremendous challenges today, and by moving into an associate relationship with Sanford Health, our patients will see the benefits of Sanford’s advanced use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR),” commented Ross Matlack, RiverView CEO. “This is a giant step forward for us in terms of use of technology, and using these systems allows doctors in Crookston, Grand Forks, Fargo and beyond to have real-time access to clinical information, and this will only serve to enhance our ability to care for patients.”

Matlack also discussed other potential benefits of working with Sanford, including the ability to share quality initiatives and potentially to explore cost savings strategies through group purchasing. “We truly appreciate Sanford’s willingness to collaborate with us, and for respecting our desire to remain independent…they have been great to work with,” he added.

The EMR system will allow nurses, doctors and other medical professionals to seamlessly collect, store, and access a patient’s medical information in the safest way possible. Patients will also be given the opportunity to utilize a secure Internet based portal to conveniently schedule appointments, access lab test results, and communicate with their care team.

“As an organization, Sanford Health takes an integrated approach to health care. Working with other health systems to share the same electronic medical record is a catalyst for providing that integrated care,” said Dennis Hofer, vice president for Sanford Health Information Technology.

Sanford Health has several levels of relationships with area hospitals. These relationships range from associate, managed, leased and owned status. An associate agreement with Sanford Health allows RiverView Health access to the EMR system, which is expected to be installed by the fall of 2012.

Source: www.prairiebizmag.com