North Hudson Community Action Corporation is happy to announce that as of July 2010 our health centers will begin implementing an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Practice Management (PM) software system. After careful consideration NHCAC has chosen the eClincalWorks software. eClinicalWorks is an industry leader in EMR, and this tool will enable us to better serve our patients and the community.  eClinicalWorks, will allow NHCAC providers to monitor and better manage care for our patients, promote patient safety while reducing costs, and improve overall patient health because of better continuity and coordination in patient care.

What is an Electronic Medical Record?
The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is a software program which stores, accesses, and updates your patient record on a computerized system.  This allows your doctors, nurses and other North Hudson Community Action Corporation staff to quickly access your information on a computer and eliminates the need for a paper chart.

How does an EHR system benefit me?

• Electronic systems improve access to a patient’s full medical history, help to prevent unnecessary tests, and coordinate better patient care.
• Once your information is entered, the Electronic Health Records system will make it easier to update, reducing errors and saving you time!
• The EHR system will make it easier for you doctors to access your information during your visit.
• The EHR system will make it easier to make appointments, request refills, monitor tests results, etc.
• Overall the EHR system will help us serve you better!

What can I expect when I arrive for my next appointment?

Your first visit to the health center after the EHR is in place may involve a few additional steps:

• Our dedicated staff members at the front desk may ask to take your picture and other necessary details. This optional picture will be added to your medical record to help our staff members recognize you.
• For both new and established patients, we will need to enter and verify your information to make sure it is up to date.
• During the EHR implementation process you may notice some other changes at our health centers. There will be additional Information Technology (IT) staff members at each of our locations to assist our doctors and nurses with the new EHR system. You will also notice more computers in our health centers; these will be used by the clinical staff to record your visit instead of a paper chart.

What about my privacy?

Electronic Health Records will be treated with the same confidentiality protection as paper records. Only authorized staff members will have access to your record on the EHR system.

North Hudson Community Action Corporation is confident that the Electronic Medical Records system will aid us in improving your patient experience. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask a NHCAC employee.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make this transition.