Community
Aspen Valley Hospital Selects Epic Electronic Health Record
Implementation Slated to Begin January 2022
Aspen Valley Hospital has selected Epic, the country’s most widely-used and comprehensive health records system, as its electronic health record (EHR), which will provide one unified platform for integrated care and to ensure patients have convenient digital access to their health information. The decision was endorsed by Aspen Valley Hospital’s Board of Directors who voted unanimously to move forward with the project at the June Board meeting. The contracting process with Epic is underway, and the project is anticipated for a January 2022 start with an October 2022 go-live.
Epic is used by a majority of U.S. News and World Report’s top-ranked hospitals and medical schools that are working collaboratively every day to improve patient care, innovate healthcare delivery and achieve financial health. Epic is consistently rated by healthcare providers as the best acute (hospital-based) and best ambulatory (practice-based) EHR for physician productivity and effectiveness.
“Epic will make it easier for our providers to communicate and access the information they need to care for patients,” said Aspen Valley Hospital CEO Dave Ressler. “There are currently many systems in place at our Hospital and clinics, and Epic will allow us to consolidate onto a single, shared platform for patient care.”
Epic will replace the Hospital’s current medical records software, Meditech. Only recently was the Epic product adapted and optimized for smaller, independent hospitals, including critical access hospitals. This turn of events enables Aspen Valley Hospital to adopt best-in-class technology at a scale designed to meet the needs of the Hospital and the community it serves, maintaining full control of the build process.
All organizations using Epic interoperate, which means they can easily exchange patient data for greatly improved patient care. Providers will have the ability to coordinate care with clinicians outside of Aspen Valley Hospital who serve their patients and their families, closing care gaps and reducing duplication.
Patients will also benefit from the use of MyChart, a portal that allows patients and their designated caregivers to access their health information, communicate with providers, schedule appointments and pay bills using an app or webpage on their phone or computer. Upwards of 72% of the U.S. population are cared for by Epic providers.
“We’re focused on helping our healthcare team meet the unique needs of our community,” continued Ressler. “Aspen Valley Hospital is excited and proud to be on the leading edge of the EHR innovation for small hospitals.”
About Aspen Valley Hospital
Founded in 1891, Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) is one of the most sophisticated rural hospitals in the country. With 25 beds, AVH is designated as a critical access hospital and level III trauma center, meeting the needs of the Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley communities, plus thousands of visitors from around the world every year. Combining the warmth and friendliness of a small town with the technical expertise of a major medical center, AVH and its Network of Care locations in Aspen, Snowmass Village and Basalt, have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Five-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, among others. AVH offers a full range of services with board-certified specialists in over 25 fields of medicine. For over 130 years, Aspen Valley Hospital has been working to deliver extraordinary healthcare in an environment of excellence, compassion and trust. Learn more at aspenhospital.org.