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available to use, says Steven Milston, Chief Information Officer at SeHealth. Rather than simply replacing the current EHR,
hospital leaders decided it was time for an upgrade. The search for a new system began in 2014. It resulted in a decision to
purchase an EHR developed by the software company Epic, which many of North Carolina’s major health systems already
use.

“The new EHR has many advantages,” added Milston. For one, it provides what’s known as a “single solution.” SeHealth’s
hospital and clinics will use a single records system, making it easier and simpler for everyone. And independent providers
will be able to access the software too.

What’s in it for our patients?

There’s plenty of good news for SeHealth patients. For one thing, they won’t have to fill out all new forms each time they see
a new doctor or go to the hospital. And their primary doctor and specialists will have more complete information about their
health, such as:
• Record of past illnesses. • A list of medicines they are taking and whether any of them might interact with other
medications they are prescribed. • Any allergies they have. • Tests or procedures they’ve had in the past.
When providers have a full picture of the patient’s medical history, it helps them take better care of them. “It really comes
down to patient safety and delivering the right care at the right time,” Milston said. “And when I say ‘patient,’ I’m thinking of
the community. Because somebody who’s never seen a doctor could be a patient tomorrow.”

Here’s another benefit: The new EHR can be adapted to help SeHealth providers manage chronic conditions that are
prevalent in Robeson and surrounding counties—like diabetes, for example.

“Over time, we will have an opportunity to modify the system to help us better meet the needs of the patients and
communities we serve,” Milston said.

A convenient way to manage your health

“We have changed the way we communicate in just about every facet of our lives,” said James “Brownie” McLeod, MD, Lead
Outpatient Physician, Harmony Conversion, Southeastern Medical Clinic North Lumberton. “This is our opportunity to
change the way we communicate with our physicians, patients, ancillary staff, and among each other. MyChart is a full-
access portal, meaning that it gives you information for test results, lab results, etc. You can request or schedule an
appointment. It is true, two-way communication between the patient and the provider; a modern interface available on any
smartphone, computer or tablet that gives you immediate access to your medical information.”

Check out the new patient web portal at www.sehmychart.org, or download the MyChart app from the app store on your
smart device. MyChart includes extra smartphone features. For example, the secure system will allow you to:

• Contact your doctor to ask a question. • Make appointments. • View test results. • Get a paperless summary of services
after a doctor visit. • Track your data from health and fitness tools, such as Fitbit. • Review and pay bills online.
• Access all of your medical records from other clinics or doctors in one place. Your health information goes with you,
whether you’re in Lumberton or visiting Florida, Milston says. • View and manage your personal health record. You can
even upload medical documents, like your children’s immunization records. • See your inpatient and outpatient health
information in one place.

More to come

The new system is rolling out in two phases. The hospital and a group of affiliates will go live with the new system on
November 5. Other SeHealth clinics will switch over in spring 2018. “Our phase two rollout starts at about that same time
and will include Gibson Cancer Center, Southeastern Home Health and Hospice, and Southeastern Cardiology,” Milston
said.

Robeson Living ~ Winter 2017 Page 47

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