CHC Was Utilizing Electronic Medical Records Systems Well Before Gov’t Began Touting Benefits

BRIDGETON — Citing numerous benefits including reductions in errors and overall costs, the federal government has been encouraging doctors, hospitals and health centers to incorporate electronic medical records into their practices. While many in the healthcare industry struggle to update to an electronic system, Community Health Care of South Jersey finds itself well ahead of the digital divide.

Electronic medical records are a computerized, digital alternative to the traditional paper files used by doctors.

These records allow providers to better track a patient’s medical history by giving them quick and easy access to this information so they can coordinate care and minimize the chance of medical errors.

Community Health Care, a federally qualified health center operating in Cape May, Gloucester and Cumberland counties, has been employing this highly-efficient technology since 2004 when CEO & President Gil Walter saw it was time for change.

“In order to provide high-quality medical care for our over 40,000 patients—many of whom are uninsured—it’s important that we stay efficient,” explains Walter. “While it has taken time and training to get the system running, we’ve already begun to see the benefit.”

According to a study done by the National Center for Health Statistics, one-quarter of office-based physicians in the U.S. reported using fully or partially electronic medical record systems in 2005. However, less than 10 percent of these physicians actually have a complete system with all four basic functions deemed minimally necessary.

Community Health Care’s system implements all of these functions: computerized orders for prescriptions, computerized orders for tests, reporting of test results, and physician notes.

Electronic records not only save money and valuable office space, they also help ensure quality and continuity of medical care, notes a CHC official, adding these are two important factors that can help save lives.

“If a person sees several of our specialists in addition to their primary care doctor, the entire team will have immediate access to their electronic records with the click of a button,” says Community Health Care’s Information Systems director Tracy Slotter. “By ensuring that each doctor is aware of the patient’s full diagnoses and treatment we are better able to manage care.”

Electronic systems like the one used at Community Health Care can, indeed, save lives, she continues. They can prevent the prescription of medicines that in combination might be dangerous and they can also help keep various doctors aware of allergies or chronic conditions. Additionally, in the event of a fire or other disaster, Community Health Care has all of their patient’s records backed-up in a secure, off-site location.

Innovations like electronic medical records are just a part of the services that CHC provides at their 17 community and school-based health centers. Next year the nonprofit will take a step further into 21st Century health care by introducing electronic dental records.

“While it feels good to be on the cutting-edge of technology today, we must continue to evolve in ways that will provide our patients with the care they deserve,” says Slotter. “At the end of the day that’s what matters most.”

Community Health Care is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is a Federally Qualified Health Center which provides primary medical, dental and mental health services to over 40,000 mostly health-uninsured persons annually in Cumberland, Gloucester and Cape May Counties.

Community Health Care, CEO Walter reiterates, is dedicated to serving the community with accessible, affordable, culturally competent, high-quality health services.

For more information visit online at www.chcinj.org or call 451-4700 to make an appointment.