The MSU HealthTeam has implemented an advanced electronic medical record (EMR) system (Centricity - Physician Office EMR) at its more than 30 clinics at facilities across the Greater Lansing Area. In doing so, MSU has taken a leadership role in helping to redesign the U.S. health care delivery system by using health information technology to improve health care quality, affordability and outcomes.

EMR use can also improve patient safety, efficiency and timeliness of preventive health care services, coordination of care, and patient access to health information and services. 

At Michigan State Adult Medicine, our paper charts have been replaced by wireless tablet computers. Our physicians and staff will type information into the computers rather than handwriting notes. This means that your medical records will be much more complete and legible. Even prescriptions will be computer generated, reducing the chance of errors. Your documents will be more easily accessible to medical professionals while remaining secure in accordance with all federal privacy laws.

The information technology professionals at the MSU HealthTeam continue to investigate new modalities to improve the quality of healthcare in the Mid-Michgan area. Some future possibilities include:

• Web-based appointment scheduling
• E-mail physician consultations
• On-line access to your personal medical record
• Direct web-based patient input of symptoms and complaints
• Automatic interfaces between our office and hospital
• Direct communication between MSAM and referring physicians

For more information about the background and rationale for replacing paper-based medical records with an EMR system, the status of the EMR project, future directions and other resources for patients, health care providers, staff, the university community and the general public, please see the EMR website at: http://www.emr.msu.edu/