HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is introducing a new electronic health record system or EHR as part of their ongoing commitment to patient safety, along with streamlining health information and sharing with other providers.

The system is called Epic and information contained in that EHR includes care orders, test results, physician notes and reports, and patients’ medical history.  The system provides a technology platform for this information to be shared with nurses, physicians, and other caregivers in one system. 

Most of the top hospitals in America use Epic and every organization that does will be able to easily exchange patient data for improved patient care. Dr. Ryan Jennings, Chief Medical Officer for Good Shepherd HSHS, says that clinics will have access to the most complete and accurate information about the care of patients at Good Shepherd Hospital or at a clinic.  Epic will ultimately allow caregivers to spend more time at the patient’s bedside. 

Patients will also gain access to Epic’s patient portal, MyHSHS.  That portal is a secure and confidential resource for patients to view their medical records, manage appointments, and communicate with providers, along with providing billing options. 

Staff is asking for patience, while they learn Epic and learn the new systems. Good Shepherd reminds patients that if you have an appointment for a test, to arrive 15 minutes early, keep in mind that a new EHR affects every department including housekeeping, food and nutrition services, and business office, and to be patient with colleagues and caregivers as they learn the new system.

For more information about HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, visit www.hshsgoodshepherd.org.