An Epic Transition: Our New Electronic Health Record and What It Means for You

When you visit your provider, have imaging or lab tests done, or spend time in one of our hospitals, your health information is stored in your unique patient chart. However, this chart isn't a physical folder with paper and notes - it's a fully secure electronic chart that puts all your Adventist Health medical records in one place for your care team.

Beginning August 30, Adventist Health is shifting to a new electronic health record, called Epic, to better serve our patients and communities. We know the transition to the new Epic system may raise some questions about what this means for you.

What is an electronic health record?

An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a secure digital version of a patient's medical chart. It stores important health information such as medical history, medications, allergies, test results, immunizations, and treatment plans in one place. Our caregivers can access and update this information electronically, helping them coordinate your care, understand the latest updates on any treatments, and make more informed decisions about your health.

Why did Adventist Health choose Epic for its new EHR?

Our goal is to provide our communities with the very best care, and the Epic system helps us accomplish this. Epic allows doctors, nurses, other staff, and patients to access the same up-to-date health information, which can improve communication, support safer care, and make it easier for you to access your health information.

Epic also has user-friendly tools for scheduling appointments, managing billing, and communicating with your providers. This is all easily done on Adventist Health's new online patient portal, MyChart, which you can read more about below.

How do you keep my information secure?

As we transition to Epic as our new EHR, protecting patient information is a top priority. We're using important safeguards such as encrypting information, limiting access to authorized staff, and maintaining our usual monitoring for any suspicious activity.

With this transition, we've carefully built and tested the new system, trained our teams on privacy and security best practices, and made sure that we're set up to transfer records accurately and safely. This helps us ensure that your information is protected throughout the transition and afterward.

What does this mean for my care?

We've chosen to transition to Epic because we want to equip our teams with the best tools to support your health. Please note that a new electronic health record doesn't change the heart of how we care for you: Treating you as a whole person as we live out our mission to inspire health, wholeness, and hope. We're hoping this change makes this important mission even easier to put into action!

While you may notice some changes, such as our new patient portal or updated appointment and billing processes, the goal is to create a more connected and seamless experience. Throughout the transition, we're working to ensure that any disruption to your care is minimized.

Does this transition mean Adventist Health staff will be on devices more?

During the initial transition, you may see staff using phones, tablets, and computers more as we work through the necessary steps to transition information correctly. You may experience delays while this work happens.

After the Epic Go-Live on August 30, and the first few weeks afterward, our teams will return to connecting with you as usual, and using technology only as needed to make sure we're delivering the very best care.

Will this change the way I access my health information and connect with my care team?

Yes, and it's an exciting one. The transition to Epic means we're transitioning to a new online patient portal called MyChart. Many of the features you're used to today exist within MyChart, such as viewing medical records and communicating with your doctor. MyChart makes these actions easier, and features easy-to-use tools such as online appointment scheduling, prescription refill requests, access to test results, convenient bill pay options, and the ability to manage the health information of family members through proxy access.

These tools are designed to make it easier to stay informed, connected, and engaged in your care from anywhere, at any time. Learn more about MyChart and how to sign up.

Thank you for your patience as we launch Epic. Please check in with your provider, nurse, or care team if you have any additional questions about this EHR transition.