Electronic Health Records Will Go Live December 1

at GRHMC Family Health, Internal Medicine and Women's Health

Please read for important information
 
Grand River will be going live with an Electronic Health Record program at Grand River Family Health, Internal Medicine, and Women’s Health in Rifle on December 1.  Electronic Health Record essentially turns patient medical records from paper to a digital format. Patient records will be online, allowing real-time documentation and quick access to health information when providers need it.  
            There are many advantages to Grand River implementing an Electronic Health Record system.  This system allows providers to document your appointments, tests, and exams quickly and accurately, adding to your digital file directly, instead of waiting to document into a paper file.  EHR also allows access to your records from more than one place, so a specialist could be looking at your medical history at the same time your primary care provider is refilling your regular medications.  Turnaround times for ordered tests will become much faster – lab results, once completed, will be sent directly to your digital chart for your doctor to look at; no more waiting for results to arrive.  The Electronic Health Record system also gives us a very accurate list of medications you are on and flags possible drug interactions.  With this system, we are able to send prescriptions directly to participating pharmacies, saving you time and hassle.  
            As Grand River is implementing this new system, there are some things to expect at your first appointment at Grand River Family Health, Internal Medicine, or Women’s Health after December 1.  This initial visit may take a little longer than usual, with the advantage being that after we ensure all your information in the system is accurate, appointments after will go much faster.  You want to make sure you bring all medications you are currently taking in a plastic bag to your appointment.  We will make sure your medication list in your file is up to date and includes all that you are taking and does not include medications you may no longer have.  Also, in an effort to protect against identity theft and fraud against you, you may be asked to take a quick photo to be put into your record.
            The implementation of an Electronic Health Record program at Grand River, made possible through grants from the Department of Local Affairs and Colorado Healthy Connections, positions us for the future of health information management.  The EHR system also means a more timely and accurate healthcare experience for you and your family.