Evergreen Healthcare Improves Patient Safety and Care with New Electronic Information Technology Solutions

KIRKLAND, Wash., Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Evergreen Healthcare today announced that it will implement a suite of state-of-the-art healthcare information technology solutions that will enable the organization to securely share patient information in real-time across its network of medical centers, improving patient safety and empowering medical staff to provide superior care.

After evaluating several technology solution options, Evergreen selected Cerner Corporation to establish a secure electronic health record (EHR) system, which is designed to enhance collaboration among providers of Evergreen's in- and out-patient medical services.

"A comprehensive electronic medical record system is key to increasing the efficacy of information sharing across our growing network of medical centers, primary care practices and specialty care centers," said Evergreen Healthcare CEO Bob Malte.  "As Evergreen grows to meet the needs of an expanding community, we're committed to continually improving how we use technologies to better serve our patients."

Cerner's system will virtually consolidate patient records across Evergreen's Eastside network into one central online location, where multiple providers throughout the care continuum will access patient medical history, lab results, current medications and other critical data.

The system will also offer a patient portal, which will allow Evergreen patients to request appointments, check test results and communicate directly with physicians in a convenient, secure online environment.

For physicians, the system provides a common platform that will allow easier collaboration with colleagues and specialists and help them make more informed decisions.  According to Cerner, many physicians also see the benefit in the management of certain chronic conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, as the system tracks long-term trends in patient outcomes against national quality standards.  

A fully connected Evergreen network will not only improve patient safety, but will also reduce costs through optimized processes, integrated workflow and fewer errors as information is captured and shared between practices.  

As part of the full integration of Cerner solutions into the Evergreen network, the two organizations have begun work to design and test the user experience, and will officially launch the system in April 2012.  

To learn more about Evergreen Healthcare visit www.evergreenhealthcare.org or call the Evergreen Healthline at 425.899.3000.  

About Evergreen Healthcare

Evergreen Healthcare, a public hospital district and community-based health care organization established in 1972, offers a breadth of services and programs that is among the most comprehensive in the region. More than 950 physicians provide clinical excellence within more than 80 specialties, including  cardiac, oncology, surgical care, orthopedics, a Neuroscience Institute, Women's and Children's services, hospice care, pulmonary care, a Sleep Disorders Center and Home Health services care.  Evergreen serves more than 400,000 residents in its primary service area of northern King and southern Snohomish counties with Evergreen Medical Group, a network of primary and urgent care practices, and Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, its main hospital campus in Kirkland, Wash. Evergreen also provides emergency care at two sites; its main hospital campus and the Evergreen Redmond Medical Center.  In addition to clinical care, Evergreen offers extensive community health outreach and education programs, anchored by Evergreen Healthline, a 24/7 nurse consultation service. For more information, visit www.evergreenhealthcare.org.

CONTACTS:

Kay Taylor
VP of Marketing
Evergreen Healthcare
425.899.2604

Kristi Clough
Firmani + Associates Inc.
206.443.9357
[email protected]

SOURCE Evergreen Healthcare