Rhode Island’s largest health care system, Lifespan announced it is now live on Epic’s EHR platform creating an integrated platform to share information seamlessly throughout the health care system, from hospitals and clinics, to ambulatory centers and community partners, Rhode Island Public Radio reports. The new system also provides one integrated record where clinicians can chart patients’ care and health condition, promoting better, safer and more coordinated care.
“There will not be unnecessary testing, because you can see what was done for every patient just by looking in their record,” said Dr. John Murphy, Executive Vice President of Physician Services at Lifespan.
The Epic EHR system dubbed LifeChart includes:
– MyLifespan Patient Portal, patients can review their laboratory and imaging test results, see what medications they’re supposed to be taking, learn about their conditions, and more.
– LifespanLink is the portal through which community providers can view their patients’ medical records when those patients are seen at Lifespan hospitals or facilities.
– CareEverywhere, allows LifeSpan to share crucial patient information with any other facility that uses the Epic EHR. For patients who are away for the winter or traveling, hospitals in other locations will be able to access information from their LifeChart record
Moody’s Investors Service stated the EHR investment will cost $35 million this year and $100 million total over the next several years. Dr. Murphy stated he hopes LifeSpan will recoup some of its $100M investment in the system by optimizing efficient billing and reducing unnecessary treatment. Last June, Modern Healthcare reported the installation was eroding cash flow and downgraded the bond rating to to Baa2—only two notches away from junk-level status.
