"The RHP extends the usefulness of Centricity by allowing residents the ability to manage their health information. Among the parts of their Centricity records, RHP shows residents: their chronic medical conditions; medications they are taking; any allergies; current insurance information, and emergency contact information," says Diatta Harris, director of information technology at Erickson Communities.
"Erickson HealthSM has a strong emphasis on residents having an active role in their own health care and this was one more way to get them involved. It isn’t unusual for the patient to be the only one who knows what medical information is accurate. Think of allergies: someone might not remember to tell every doctor they see they are allergic to peanut butter," says Matt Narrett, M.D., chief medical officer for Erickson Communities.
Using the Portal
"It took me about 15 minutes to get the hang of the RHP," says Bill Engel, Charlestown resident. There is training at each community and the technology department is always seeking feedback on ways to make the system better.
"Residents can use the program on either a Macintosh or a Windows-oriented computer, and access it through any Internet browser; e.g., Internet Explorer or Netscape," says Harris. Residents don’t have to have their own computer. They can use the community’s on-site computer lab or go to a library for access.
If an outside specialist prescribes a new medication to a registered RHP resident, they have several ways to apprise the Medical Center of needed updates. "They can call the Medical Center; send updates by email, or print out their data sheet, write in their changes and bring the revised data sheet to the Medical Center," says Joseph Schneebaum, senior software engineer at Erickson Communities and one of RHP’s designers.
"It lists everything I want my kids to know in case of an emergency. I printed out reports and sent one to each of my kids," says Engel.
Allowing Access
"We have a ‘delegate’ feature that allows you to give someone else access to your records. For example, you tell the RHP you are giving your daughter access and then provide her with a PIN number. It is just like getting into your ATM account," says Harris.
"I’m going to see the cardiologist next week. How can I give him my RHP information?" asks Ralph Long, Charlestown resident. "With the RHP you have several options.You can print a report and bring it to your specialist. You can have your doctor at Charlestown send him your report. You can name your specialist a ‘delegate,’ and allow him access to the system," says Kristina Schafer, manager for electronic medical records training and support at Erickson Communities
"We now have the RHP key in use at Charlestown and Riderwood Communities in Maryland built and managed by Erickson. It is a small item that fits on your keychain and contains all your Centricity records. Your outside doctors can just plug it into their computer’s USB port and they can read your health information," she adds.
What About Security?
"You need three IDs before you, or someone you delegate, can access your medical records using the RHP. You get your own access code, a PIN number (which the resident generates and can make different ones for different delegates), and your chart ID number. The password is case sensitive. You (or your delegate) have to get it right after five failed attempts or the system locks you out," says Harris.
"Currently you can go over the Internet and check the money in your bank account. The time has come for you to also be able to check your health care information, such as the medicines your doctor has you taking. I would estimate only about 10 to 20 percent of doctors’ offices now use electronic medical records to help maximize patient care," says Narrett.
"Older people are being encouraged to become more involved in our medical life. The RHP appeared very quickly to be a tool towards that and I haven’t been disappointed," says Beth Currie, Charlestown resident.