News Summary
Willis Knighton Health has launched the MEDITECH Expanse electronic health record system across 132 clinics in northwest Louisiana. This new system replaces three separate EHR platforms, enhancing patient care and coordination. Patients can now access test results and visit notes through a user-friendly portal. Clinicians will benefit from centralized data access, improving efficiency and reducing administrative burdens. The implementation includes features tailored to specialists and expanded into other facilities, such as rehabilitation and skilled nursing centers, fostering a data-driven approach to healthcare.
Shreveport, LA – Willis Knighton Health has successfully implemented the MEDITECH Expanse electronic health record (EHR) system across its 132 clinics, significantly enhancing patient care and coordination. This launch replaces three separate EHR systems with a unified platform, aimed at improving efficiencies and patient outcomes throughout the organization, which is the largest healthcare provider in northwest Louisiana.
The new system enables better care coordination for patients who often seek treatment from multiple providers within Willis Knighton Health. Previously, this could lead to redundancy and inefficiencies in sharing critical health information. With the MEDITECH Expanse, patients now have access to their test results and visit notes via a single, user-friendly patient portal, streamlining their healthcare experience.
Clinicians are expected to greatly benefit from the centralized EHR, as it allows easy access to comprehensive patient data in one place. This integration aims to reduce the administrative burdens on healthcare professionals, ultimately saving time that can be redirected towards patient care. The implementation process included standardizing order sets and documentation templates, which facilitated a smoother rollout across all clinics.
Innovative Features of MEDITECH Expanse
Among the many efficient tools provided by the MEDITECH Expanse system, personalized workflows are crucial, catering to the diverse needs of various specialists. Additionally, the Cancer Center has adopted Expanse Oncology, which enhances practice management and scheduling specifically for cancer patients, allowing for a more tailored approach to their treatment plans.
Leadership Perspectives
Mark Galea, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Willis Knighton Health, noted that this single integrated EHR system effectively addresses longstanding patient concerns regarding the repetitive sharing of information among their multiple healthcare providers. Helen Waters, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of MEDITECH, also acknowledged the healthcare organization’s commitment to innovation and quality care through the successful deployment of Expanse.
Broader Implementation Across Facilities
The transition to MEDITECH Expanse does not stop at the clinics; it has recently been deployed at additional facilities within the organization, including the rehabilitation center, progressive care center, and skilled nursing facility. This comprehensive implementation underscores Willis Knighton Health’s commitment to facilitating a data-driven approach aimed at enhancing clinical decision-making and operational efficiencies across its entire system.
Impact on Data Utilization
The new EHR system is designed for real-time data utilization, helping to analyze patient trends and optimize resource allocation throughout the healthcare network. A governance program has been established to ensure transparency and accountability in data use across clinical operations and finance, fostering a culture of efficiency and responsiveness to patient needs.
This transition to a centralized reporting model is also expected to yield positive financial impacts, as it is likely to reduce service costs while increasing the volume and depth of analytics available to healthcare leaders. With this move, Willis Knighton Health aims to deliver high-quality patient care supported by advanced technological solutions, positioning itself at the forefront of healthcare innovation in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Business Wire: Willis Knighton Health Live with 132 Clinics on MEDITECH Expanse
- Wikipedia: Electronic Health Record
- MSN: MEDITECH Expanse EHR System Boosts Willis Knighton Patient Care
- Google Search: MEDITECH Expanse
- Healthcare IT News: How Willis Knighton Health Executives Found Value in Data-Driven Insights
- Google Scholar: Willis Knighton Health
- Business Wire: Scotland County Hospital Advances Community-Based Services with MEDITECH’s Expanse EHR
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electronic Health Records
- Business Wire: MEDITECH Introduces Expanse Outreach Portal to Support Laboratory Clients
- Google News: Willis Knighton Health
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The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
