1. What is Horizon Patient Folder?

Horizon Patient Folder (HPF) is the first step in the journey toward a computerized medical record. The system electronically captures, indexes, stores and retrieves patient-specific documents and information that are recorded on magnetic or optical disk. This solution enables health care organizations to re-engineer the way physical documents are handled by allowing users to access information immediately and more cost-effectively than with existing paper-based systems.

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2. What is the goal of HPF?

To eliminate the paper chart within 24 hours
of a patient's discharge, making the official legal medical record electronic. The electronic record will:

• be accessible to multiple people at one time
  
• eliminate the wait time of obtaining patient records
  
• be accessible from any computer with high-speed Internet access
  
• improve ability to deliver patient care
  
• provide more efficient workflow of patient
  data through the coding, billing and auditing process

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3. What benefit is HPF to patient care?

The primary benefit to patient care is the ability to access patients' previous records instantly online and make more efficient use of your time by allowing record completion at your convenience.

Another benefit is multiple users can view a record at the same time. Therefore, there is no waiting for a record.

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4. Do I have to complete medical records online?

Yes. All physicians will be required to provide signatures, approvals and other matters of chart completion through HPF. Paper charts will not be available except while the patient is on the unit.

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5. Is training available?

One-on-one training will be available for February 20 - March 2, 2007. To schedule your sessions call Information Technology at 706.509.6791.

Physicians already familiar with Portal will need only a brief training session. New Portal users will need to get signed up for access to Physician Portal by calling the Information Technology department at 706.509.5700.

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6. When will HPF be up and running?

HPF is scheduled to go-live February 26. On this date all physicians will be required to begin completing their medical records online.

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7. Who will have access to Horizon Patient Folder (HPF)?

The main users of HPF will be physicians and the Health Information Management staff.

Physicians using HPF will access it via the Physician Portal. There will be a new button on the portal that will take you to HPF.

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8. How are patient charts accessed electronically?

You will access HPF to view and complete the electronic records through Physician Portal. If you are unfamiliar with Physician Portal, contact Information Technology at 706.509.5700.

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9. Will all records be stored electronically?

Information and documents for patients discharged on February 26, 2007 and after will be stored in HPF within 24 hours of discharge. Records for patients discharged prior to February 26, 2007 will be kept in paper format only.

10. Will I have access to all patients or just ones with whom I have a professional relationship?

Physicians will have access to all patients in the system. Each time a patient's record is accessed it is tracked so inappropriate use can be handled according to Floyd policy.

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11. How will this affect the suspension process?

This will have no affect on the suspension process. The current process as defined in the Medical Staff Bylaws, Rules and Regulations will continue.

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12. Will I still have paper on the unit?

While patients are receiving care at the hospital, their current record will be paper format. Electronically generated reports (e.g. transcribed documents, lab and radiology reports) will be available in the Physician Portal as they are now.

Patients with a discharge date before February 26, 2007 will not be included in HPF. These charts will remain in paper format.

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13. How will this save me time?

You will begin to depend less on the Health Information Management department for old records once records are entered into the system.

You can complete your signature and dictation deficiencies from anywhere with Internet access and a telephone. No more trips to the Health Information Management department.

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14. How many logins will I have? Will I be able to choose a PIN?

You will access HPF from the Physician Portal, so no additional logins or passwords are required. Your PIN required for electronic record completion will be personalized by you during training.

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15. Is there tracking to determine who has accessed a record online?

Each patient record accessed is tracked. Functions that are tracked include:

• Viewing
• Printing
• Faxing
• Editing

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16. Is it possible to add office files?

Physician office records cannot be incorporated into HPF at this time. The focus is on the ability to access hospital-based inpatient and outpatient medical records when needed.

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17. How do I contact technical support?

For technical support contact Information Technology at 706.509.5700.

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