Texas State’s Student Health Center (SHC) will begin keeping health records electronically starting May 18 with its new Electronic Health Record (EHR).

The EHR will replace paper medical charts and contain patient information in a readily accessible format. Drug interactions and allergies are automatically checked before prescribing medication. Current diagnostic and therapeutic information will be available to help facilitate patient care. Another benefit to having the system is that an EHR is always legible, unlike hand-written charts.

EHR will also help the SHC by reducing the use of paper and ink. Eventually, off-site storage of medical charts and the costs that go with transporting them can be eliminated, as well.

The EHR program will be implemented in two phases. In May 2009, SHC staff will begin using the electronic records instead of charts. Online forms for students and secured messages with medical providers will be implemented later in the summer or fall.

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