We will phase in a major change in the way we work beginning in November 2009.  We will install and implement an Electronic Health Record system by eClinicalWorks a national leader in bringing the benefits of information technology to patients and doctors.

Phase I will involve the installation of the system and training office staff to use the system for scheduling.  The office will be closed on several half days the week of November 9, 2009 for training.

Phase II will take place the week of November 30, 2009 and will include training staff and physicians to use the electronic medical record system.  The office will be closed on several half days that week for training.

Next will come:

• full integration of paperless document management into the practice
• continuous collection of quality management data to support continuous improvement in medical care
• use of the system to generate reminders to patients in need of  preventive services.  (This will require several years to fully implement since some services are provided only intermittently.)

During 2010 we will add a Patient Portal to the practice.  This will allow patients to use a personal password to view their personal health record via the internet.  As soon as laboratory reports are received the results will be available on your secure website for you to see and compare to previous results.  The same will be true for imaging studies such as xrays and MRI scans.  You will receive an email whenever new information is posted in your personal record.  You will also be able to make appointments online.