Student Health Center implements Electronic Health Record

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
May 13, 2009

On May 18, 2009, the Texas State Student Health Center will go live with an Electronic Health Record (EHR).
 
This state of the art system is provided by Medicat, LLC of Atlanta, Ga. Other schools that have implemented the Medicat EHR include Princeton, Rutgers, Colorado, Virginia Tech and Florida State. In addition, Medicat, LLC was the first college health software vendor to achieve CCHIT Certification, which demonstrates that their product meets nationally recognized quality and security standards.
 
The EHR will replace the system of paper-based medical charts. EHRs contain more information in a readily accessible format, which enhances the quality of patient care. Drug interactions and allergies are automatically checked prior to prescribing medication and current diagnostic and therapeutic information is available to help facilitate the delivery of medical care. Another benefit of EHRs is that they are accessible at all times and, unlike hand-written records, all the information is legible, which can help prevent medical errors.
 
With the implementation of the EHR, Texas State will be able to enhance the reporting and tracking of illnesses and injuries, as well as treatments prescribed. This will help facilitate quality improvement initiatives and provide better data for administrative decisions. The EHR will also be an extremely helpful tool to use during public health situations, such as the current H1N1 outbreak.
 
The EHR will help the Texas State Student Health Center to “Go Green” by significantly reducing the use of paper as well as ink cartridges for printers.  Eventually, off-site storage of charts and associated transportation can be eliminated.
 
The EHR will be implemented in two phases. In May 2009 clinical staff will begin using the electronic health record instead of paper charts. Additional functionality for students, including online forms and securing messaging with medical providers, will be implemented later this summer or in the fall.
 
The Texas State Student Health Center provides primary health care and has laboratory, pharmacy and x-ray services on site. Digital radiography, online appointments and computerized self check-in have been available for students since the Health Center moved to its new building in 2004. The Texas State Student Health Center serves an average of 200 students per day.