SC Hospital considering consolidating and upgrading Electronic Medical Records system

During the most recent Stephens County Hospital Authority meeting, held on August 28, Authority members were updated on the ongoing research into a possible new Electronic Medical Records system and vendor to provide unified and cohesive services to all sectors of the hospital’s operations.

Hospital CEO Van Loskoski sat down with WNEG News a few days after the meeting to discuss the potential change, and the logistical challenges the changeover might pose. 

He said the implementation and migrating the system would be a significant initial cost, but efficiency would help offset that expense. 

Loskoski explained that passing on those potential costs to customers is not really a feasible option in a hospital setting.

He described the significant increase in expenses that are already being experienced by those in the healthcare industry.

He said that any new EMR system instituted by the hospital could not only potentially improve the organization’s efficiency, thus providing cost saving, but that it would improve each patient’s experience at Stephens County Hospital.

EMR systems are working to improve system security, but he said the hospital also has many safety checks in place, and would continue that with any new system.

Physicians are not always fond of EMR systems, but typically acknowledge the usefulness of such systems, he stated.

He explained that they have looked at a number of different systems, and are currently focusing on one popular provider

In the end run, he said, the enhanced communication and the greater availability of detailed treatment information about a patient can lead to much more optimal healthcare service.

 

In other Authority meeting news, the hospital continues to see a record volume of clients. Loskoski said there are a number of reasons for that increase, including an improving reputation for quality care. 

He added that shifts in disease patterns, and a slight rise in Covid numbers has also contributed to the hospital’s increased volume of business in the past months..

WNEG News will continue to follow the progress on the hospital’s investigation into a new EMR system.