Electronic medical records replace outdated system

The Student Health Services implemented a change during the summer when it switched to a system of computerized medical records for all patients.

Associate Director of Student Health Services Steve Rembrandt, who chairs the Electronic Medical Records Committee, said the program was implemented over the summer because there would be less student patients during that time, making it easier to get online and implement the new system.

"Starting in the middle of July, all new information has been entered into the computer," Rembrandt said. "It gives quicker and greater access to records from multiple providers."

Rembrandt said that with paper records, transfer of information was slow and sometimes inaccurate.

"In the past when a provider contacted us, we had to pull a patient's chart and give it to them," Rembrandt said. "Now a provider can access that same information from anywhere by pulling it up on the computer."

Rembrandt said new computer programs will help ensure that patients receive the correct medication, and a provider can have almost immediate access to a patient's chart.

"Since everything is on the computer, legibility problems also go away," Rembrandt said. "Everything is to make conditions better for the patients, but overall, everyone benefits."

Jiwei Zhu, a junior in biological sciences, said the new efficiency of this system will be sure to speed up the medical process.

"There are often long lines, and I am forced to wait when I go to the center," Zhu said. "If everything is on the computer, it should make things a lot quicker for the people that work there."

Rembrandt said there has been no unexpected trouble getting this program off the ground and although it was a major change, everything has gone smoothly.

"We had the usual difficulties getting this project online; this is the biggest change any organization will do," Rembrandt said. "So far we have had no major problems, and the staff's attitude has been outstanding."

Roman Kotliar, a junior in mechanical engineering, said he is happy to see such advances in the school's medical services, and technological improvements are important for the future of the University.

"Everything will eventually be on computers, so we might as well get on the bandwagon now," Kotliar said. "It will be a lot easier if it is all online instead of faxing or mailing it."

Rembrandt said the computerized system will also eliminate the storage problems that had forced them to keep some student records in off-campus storage facilities.

"Before the switch, we had started to run out of space to store medical records," Rembrandt said. "This way, access to charts is not a problem."

Rembrandt said the Student Health Services are constantly looking for new ways to improve care provided and plans to implement another new computer-based program in the near future.

"With this new program, students will be able to make many of their medical appointments online," Rembrandt said.

Rembrandt said all improvements are to make the University a more efficient and unproblematic place to receive health care.

"To increase the quality of care for students was the major reason behind this initiative," Rembrandt said.