EHR expansion to create Wisconsin's largest patient database

Ministry Health Care will begin using an EHR software suite already in use at Marshfield Clinic, creating the largest patient database in Wisconsin, Governor Jim Doyle announced in a June 20 press release.

 

More than 1,000 providers in the Marshfield and Ministry systems will share access to 2.5 million patient records, according to the announcement. Implementation of the system at Ministry will take three to five years.

 

The EHR makes all patient medical information immediately accessible via computer to clinical staff involved in patient care regardless of location, according to the press release. A tracking system will record who accesses patient information and when they do so

 

“This is an important step forward in our efforts to reduce medical errors, increase patient safety and decrease health care costs,” Doyle said in the press release. “With better use of information technology, we can transform our health care system to improve the safety and quality of health care.”

 

Ministry describes itself on its Web site as a network of hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, dialysis centers in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Marshfield, named for the town of its origin, describes itself on its Web site as one of the largest private, multispecialty group practices in the country. It has 40 locations throughout Wisconsin.

 

Click here to read the press release.