Unique visitors since

19 May 2005

On August 13, 2007, AFMC started using an Electronic Health Record, or EHR. We are partnering with eClinicalWorks, of Boston, MA, and Cascade IT, with support from DOQ-IT and the Washington Health Information Collaborative to bring modern information technology into our practice. We appreciate your patience. Wait times are coming down closer to acceptable levels, but we are still reworking our current networks, migrating demographic data to the new system, and training our doctors and staff. It has taken longer and taken more from our patients, our staff and our doctors than we expected, but we are beginning to turn a corner.

Why did we do this? Modern healthcare is probably the most information intensive activity in our daily lives. We have to bring together data about a person, about several diseases and sets of resources and use all of that information to recommend care that is evidence-based and patient-specific.

What did we install? Our system includes a wireless network to allow our doctors to have both your records and relevant references in the exam room. The network consists of several special-purpose servers providing internet access, fax services and data services. The MAs, nurses and doctors will al use wireless devices allowing them to access data from anywhere in the clinic or anywhere they have internet access.

What can you expect? In the short term, we may have some unavoidable delays in scheduling and handling messages as our staff do everything they already do plus work toward this change. We have worked hard to anticipate this impact, and do everything we can to minimize your wait. In the long term, we will be able to offer you faster response to phones messages, the ability to send e-mail directly to the healthcare team, and online ability to request appointments and see your records. The doctor will have your chart as well as any online records, x-rays, scans and resources relevant to your care in the exam room. We ask for your patience as we bring this about, and think you’ll find the result well worth the wait.

What’s next? A web-based patient portal that will allow our patients to request appointments, view results, and communicate with their provider.

Keep an eye on this space for information on our progress and updates on our timeline.