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4C’s Begins Phase 2 of New System Rollouts
For Immediate Release
May 5, 2011
4C’s Begins Phase 2 of New System Rollouts
Galveston County and Cities – On Monday May 16th, the Galveston County Health District’s 4C’s Clinics will embark on the second phase of a project that started last October to rollout a new electronic system. The second phase will be a conversion to an electronic medical records (EMR) system with a planned Go-Live date of Tuesday, June 7, 2011. The complete new systems will mean big changes in the way services are provided in the clinics. The first phase, a new business system, was launched on Oct 19th 2010.
“GCHD researched the new system being implemented for over 5 years,” says Jay Holland, Chief Operating Officer. “Ultimately, these changes should make accessing care at the 4C’s a simpler and more pleasant experience for patients both insured and uninsured. The transition from paper to electronic records should also assist us in our efforts to become as efficient as possible.”
Dr. Mark Guidry, CEO of the 4C’s Clinics says, “The 4C’s Governing Board and staff hope to realize many improvements after this second phase is fully implemented.” During this second phase rolling out EMR, old medical records will be scanned into the electronic system. Medical staff will now have electronic lab results, x-rays, prescriptions, patient education materials, and more. Dr. Guidry points out the current paper records system is inefficient, limits viewing to one person at a time, and takes up a large amount of space. The clinics expect electronic records will be more easily accessible to multiple care givers and enable better quality of care.
“After 18 years with an inefficient business system and paper health records, we are very excited that this modern electronic system will finally become a reality,” says Dr. Guidry. “This is one of several improvement plans. We also anticipate relocating the Texas City clinic and other GCHD offices into the new Mid-County Annex in the latter part of 2011, once construction is completed. Finally, as part of our plans to improve public services we will change our clinic name from 4C’s Clinic to Coastal Health & Wellness which will be implemented later in the year.”
“During our times of transition, we ask the public for their patience and understanding as we endure these significant changes in our systems, ultimately helping us provide more and better service to Galveston County residents,” Guidry said.
During a period of staff training, there will be no appointments scheduled from May 16th to the 27th as only walk-ins will be seen in the clinics. Additionally, for the first two weeks after the June 7th Go-Live, appointments are reduced from 3 patients per hour to one patient per hour to allow staff to learn the new system. Available appointments can be scheduled by calling (409) 938-2234 or from north Galveston County (281) 309-0255. There are also Saturday walk-in clinics available in Texas City. 4C’s clinics locations and hours can be found on the GCHD web site at www.gchd.org/4cs/location-hours.html.
As published by The Daily News 05/16/11
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(News Media: For more information contact Kurt Koopmann, GCHD Public Information Officer, 409-938-2211 or kkoopman@gchd.org)
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