WakeMed Physician Practices Rolls Out Epic, MyChart Patient Portal

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 2, 2014) – Epic is now live within the WakeMed Physician Practices network, marking a significant milestone on WakeMed Health & Hospitals’ journey to consolidate electronic health records to one single system.

More than 50 primary and specialty care offices will have access to one complete medical record, resulting in less duplication, safer care, fewer phone calls and a more seamless continuum of care.

Epic has become a common denominator across top Triangle-area healthcare organizations. The addition of this new system is essential for effective, efficient communication across WakeMed and beyond, allowing hospitals and community-based physicians to share critical information.

“Epic is an important investment for us in support of our mission to improve the health and well-being of our community,” commented Donald Gintzig, WakeMed president & CEO. “Moving to a single medical record system means information is available to the right person at the right time, anywhere it is needed. It also gives our patients the opportunity to have better access to their own health records and history.”

An added benefit of the system is the implementation of WakeMed MyChart, a free, secure online patient portal for patients to better manage their own and their family’s healthcare needs. Patients of WakeMed Physician Practices can now sign up via mychart.wakemed.org and will eventually have 24/7 access to MyChart as well as the ability to communicate with their physician’s office electronically, conveniently access test results and medical records, request prescription refills and appointments and more.

WakeMed opted for a phased rollout of Epic, and teams are working hard throughout the healthcare system to prepare for all remaining areas of care – including hospitals, emergency departments and outpatient facilities (rehab, surgery, etc.) – to go live in February 2015. To date, nearly 100,000 hours have been dedicated to this project.

Electronic health records provide a vital tool for enhancing patient-centered care and managing population health. WakeMed’s system-wide transition to Epic will help improve patient safety and provide patients with an even higher quality of care.

Epic Systems, based out of Wisconsin, has a nationwide client base of approximately 315 mid-size and large hospitals, medical groups and health care organizations. For more information, visit www.epic.com.

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

WakeMed Health & Hospitals is a private, not-for-profit healthcare organization based in Raleigh, N.C. The 884-bed system comprises a network of healthcare facilities throughout Wake and Johnston Counties. Centers of excellence include cardiac and vascular care, women’s and children’s services, emergency and trauma, physical rehab and specialization in orthopaedics and neurosciences. Specialty facilities include the WakeMed Heart Center, Children’s Hospital, Women’s Pavilion and Birthplace, Rehabilitation Hospital, Adult and Children’s Emergency Departments and a Level 1 Trauma Center. Locally based and community owned, WakeMed exists for the health of the community and is committed to a variety of health and wellness improvement programs. WakeMed’s team of more than 8,300 employees, 1,500 volunteers, more than 1,200 affiliated physicians, and 255 physicians employed by WakeMed Physician Practices serve the residents of North Carolina using the most advanced technologies to ensure the finest in health care. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org.

About WakeMed Physician Practices

WakeMed Physician Practices is a growing network of outstanding physicians that operate as part of the WakeMed Health & Hospitals system. Our providers take pride in delivering outstanding care and caring to the community with a focus on living a healthier, fuller life. The multi-specialty network includes WakeMed Physician Practices and Wake Orthopaedics with more than 250 physicians covering more than 50 office locations throughout Wake County and our surrounding areas. Covering a broad range of specialties including primary care, ear, nose and throat, urology, general surgery, pediatric surgery and obstetrics and gynecology, WakeMed Physician Practices provides the highest level of care to its patients. For more information, visit www.wakemedphysicians.com.

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