Orange County Hospital Adopts EHR System
Saddleback Memorial is the first hospital in Orange County to use a comprehensive, nearly paperless health information system, according to Scott Joslyn, MemorialCare's CIO, the Orange County Register reports.
Physicians at Saddleback Memorial in late July began using an electronic health record system. Computers on mobile carts are located throughout the hospital allowing physicians to quickly access patients' health records.
Physicians can electronically order lab tests and prescriptions, which reduces the risk of transcription errors. The prescription orders also are checked immediately for adverse interactions and allergies.
Area Hospitals Plan Upgrades
In addition to Saddleback, other area hospitals are developing health IT plans. MemorialCare plans to implement EHR systems in its four other hospitals in California, the Register reports. In addition, Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo stores some patient records electronically and is working in phases to transfer all patient information into one computer system.
Western Medical Center Santa Ana and affiliates Western Medical Center Anaheim, Chapman Medical Center in Orange and Coastal Communities Hospital in Santa Ana, also eventually will adopt a paperless system, according to Shelle Malm, a spokesperson for Western Medical Center Santa Ana. The health system is examining IT systems, she said (Veal, Orange County Register, 9/6).