CHN Enhances Patient Care with Epic Electronic Health Record System

Curry Health Network (CHN) is making a significant advancement in patient care by transitioning to the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system, beginning September 14. This change marks a major investment, involving millions of dollars and thousands of hours of training, aimed at providing substantial benefits to our patients.

The decision to move to Epic was driven by CHN's commitment to unifying workflows, offering seamless integration for comprehensive patient care, and enhancing the exchange of information across our health system. Epic is recognized as a leading platform nationwide, and its adoption will significantly improve the patient experience through its expansive patient portal, MyChart.

“The transition to Epic represents a monumental step forward for Curry Health Network,” says Ginny Williams, CHN’s Chief Executive Officer. “This investment underscores our dedication to delivering the highest standard of care while embracing cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes.”

The decision to adopt Epic came after an intensive selection process, which involved input from providers and staff across the organization, and was strongly supported by the forward-thinking vision of our board of directors. Their commitment to investing in innovative technologies is key to ensuring that CHN remains at the forefront of patient care and continues to meet the evolving needs of our community. Epic’s platform is the most widely used EMR throughout Oregon and the United States, ensuring that our healthcare professionals are equipped with the most current tools and technology available.

By utilizing Epic Community Connect through Providence, CHN can leverage a robust infrastructure without the significant costs of building our own system from scratch. This approach not only fosters better integration and acts as a technological bridge for the regional continuum of care but also allows us to provide high-quality care in a more cost-effective manner, ultimately benefiting both our patients and our organization.

A key part of CHN’s strategic plan is enhancing the overall patient experience. With patients at the heart of our healthcare model, Epic EHR empowers them with increased access to their health information. MyChart, Epic’s patient portal, offers industry-leading functionality, enabling communication, appointment scheduling, and access to educational resources, which fosters a stronger partnership between healthcare providers and patients.

MyChart integrates patient records at CHN with their records at other healthcare organizations that use Epic, both regionally and nationally, ensuring patients can easily access all their health data. This integration will allow our healthcare professionals to make more informed decisions, resulting in more coordinated and efficient care.

With MyChart, patients will have the ability to quickly schedule appointments, request medication refills, and connect with their care team no matter where they are. Additionally, MyChart will allow patients to pay medical bills online, view their medications, test results, health summary, and immunizations—all from the convenience of a smartphone or computer.

Patients with an existing MyCareCorner account will continue to have access to their records for visits prior to September 13.

“We have an outstanding team, and we are committed to providing them with the right tools to achieve even greater things,” says Ginny Williams. “The transition to Epic is the biggest technology investment in CHN’s history, with the potential to significantly enhance patient safety, quality of care, and operational efficiency.”

As we embark on this transition, we ask for your patience as our team learns the new system. One notable change will be in the process for lab specimen drop-off at Curry General Hospital, where those dropping off specimens will now be asked to present to registration first. Lab hours at the hospital will be expanded effective September 14, with service available from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

Curry Health Network is excited to bring this advanced technology to our community, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible.

About Curry Health Network
Curry Health Network is committed to improving the health of the communities we serve by providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare in a caring, compassionate environment. Our network offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, primary care, and specialty services, across multiple locations in Brookings, Gold Beach, and Port Orford.