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A new electronic medical record system will soon improve patient health care at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
The Composite Health Care System II, which will running by the end of March, will do more than make the records legible by cleaning up the doctor’s handwriting. It will provide an in-depth record, allowing everything – every complaint, diagnosis and test – be included.
“It all goes to a central repository to ensure the patients have good care,” said Maj. Joseph Flynn, LRMC Oncology Clinic chief.
The new system allows military doctors to check off symptoms, order tests, prescribe medicines and make notes about patients.
Aside from making it easier on the doctors, the form will document the patient’s history. No longer will the patient have to keep a mental record of what tests he’s had done in the past, or what medications he is allergic to or is taking.
“Not everyone remembers his medical history,” said Major Flynn. “Have you ever had your white blood cell count elevated? You may not know the answer to that question.”
The system also is applicable in the Global War on Terrorism. Doctors will be able to query specific symptoms to determine if there is an outbreak in a certain disease like a release of toxins or bacterial infections.
“This will help us make strides in preventative medicine,” said Major Flynn. “It really gives you the 40,000-foot view. We also can check to see if the population is up to date on its mammograms or pap smears.”
The system will be implemented in the LRMC footprint (all of the outlying clinics) in June, said Maj. Timothy Hoiden, LRMC chief of clinical services.
“Eventually the entire Department of Defense will field CHCS II. It will take a year or two for the DOD to field this new system, but once in place it will ensure the highest quality of care,” said Major Hoiden.
Patients can expect staff members to work slower as they learn the new system, and some clinics may even be closed half days for training. But it won’t take long before it’s running more efficiently than the current system, said Major Flynn.
“It will mean better care in the long run, and the military is leading the way,” he said. “I’m a big believer in the electronic medical record.”
