The $110,000 PyraMED system will be unveiled this fall and is the latest in a series of upgrades designed to improve efficiency.
The system uses computers and an online network to store health information such as vital signs, immunizations and medical history. Using the digital network, health care professionals can access student information, order lab tests and send prescriptions with the click of a mouse.
“We will have a reduction of errors, improved communication and improved timeliness in terms of having labs and prescriptions available,” Health Center
Director Rebecca Stauffer said.
The new system will also allow students to update their immunization records, check lab results and ask questions to health center staff online. Using a secure web portal, students will be able to receive feedback in a confidential, timely manner without having to schedule an appointment or call the health center.
Future improvements include self check-in at the front lobby and the ability to communicate with health center staff via text message.
“Our goal is to eventually go completely electronic,” Stauffer said.
EMR systems offer comprehensive reporting capabilities, meaning that health center staff will have the ability to graph individual medical indicators and analyze broader trends in student health care.
“The EMR provides a robust reporting tool that will allow staff to understand trends in student service needs and therefore be better able to respond with service changes based on those student needs,” Stauffer said.
Although students will experience longer wait times in coming weeks as the new system is unveiled, the benefits will be well worth it, Stauffer said.
The health center significantly reduced wait times for callers and walk-ins when it implemented a same-day appointment, or open access system in 2007. Health center staff purchased the EMR system in 2009 after visiting student health centers across the state. The new system also includes electronic scheduling and automated billing for x-rays, prescriptions and supplies.
The health center is an accredited outpatient medical facility that serves enrolled HSU students. Basic medical services are available at no charge and elective services are available at low cost. Services include health education, primary and urgent medical care, X-ray, laboratory and pharmacy.
For more information, visit http://www.humboldt.edu/health or call (707) 826-3146.