Sometimes it can be difficult to remember everything you hear during your doctor's appointment. As of July 1, Essentia Health patients who have access to their medical records via MyHealth can read the notes made by caregivers during clinic appointments and urgent care visits.
Loved ones who act as caretakers and have proxy access to a patient's MyHealth account can also see the "Visit Notes."
"Research shows that patients value this type of transparency and partnership with their health care team," said Dr. Tom Wiig, Essentia's chief medical information officer in a news release. "It's in the best interest of our patients' health to make this information easily accessible to them."
Kelly Moser, who lives in Breezy Point and works in Brainerd, uses MyHealth regularly to view test results and correspond with her physician assistant Jennifer Dalgarno regarding her care. "Managing both being anemic and having degenerative disc disease with arthritis is a big part of my life to ensure that I can enjoy time with my grandkids," Moser said. "Using MyHealth to connect with Dalgarno works great! She is very prompt at responding when I have questions and explains test results so I feel empowered with knowledge about my own health."
Access to Visit Notes gives patients a better understanding of their health and medical conditions. Other benefits included improved communications and patient education.
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"I have found MyHealth to be a great tool for keeping Moser and other patients up-to-date on their test results and to learn how medications or therapy they are doing is helping," said Dalgarno. "Even though we message often, Visit Notes will allow Moser to review what we discuss at each appointment and the treatment plan we are following. It really gives patients more resources for good health."
MyHealth is a secure online program that allows Essentia Health patients to access portions of their medical record online.
