Kaleida Health Launches Epic-Based Integrated Patient Record System Across Western New York
Key Insights
Kaleida Health has officially launched a system-wide unified electronic health record platform using Epic (search) software, replacing multiple legacy systems across all its facilities.
The new platform provides clinicians with real-time access to patient information and includes the MyChart patient portal for scheduling, test results, prescription refills, and care team messaging.
Several regional healthcare organizations, including Olean General Hospital (search), Brooks-TLC Hospital System (search), and General Physician (search), are also transitioning to Epic (search) to advance coordinated care across Western New York.
Kaleida Health has officially launched a new, system-wide patient record platform built on Epic (search) software, marking what leadership describes as one of the most significant digital investments in the organization's recent history and a transformational enhancement for healthcare across Western New York.
The new platform replaces multiple legacy electronic health systems with a single, unified, integrated electronic health record (EHR), giving clinicians real-time access to patient information and enabling smoother transitions of care across all Kaleida Health facilities.
Epic (search) is widely considered the gold standard for hospitals across the country, with more than 40% of U.S. hospitals currently utilizing the platform. The software is known for its advanced capabilities and unmatched interoperability, helping to support seamless coordination of care across healthcare systems. Additionally, many physicians, nurses, and clinicians train using Epic in academic and clinical settings, providing Kaleida Health with a recruitment advantage by offering new graduates familiarity and confidence with the Epic system.
Regional Collaboration Expands Reach
Along with Kaleida Health, several other key healthcare organizations will transition to Epic (search) software to further advance streamlined, coordinated care across the region. These organizations include General Physician (search), Olean General Hospital (search), Olean Medical Group, outpatient departments in Bradford inside the former Bradford Regional Medical Center building, Brooks-TLC Hospital System (search), Inc., Lake Erie Medical Services, and Cuba Memorial Hospital. ECMC (search) and UBMD Physicians' Group (search) are scheduled to go live with the new system later this year.
MyChart Patient Portal
Patients of these organizations are encouraged to download the new patient portal, MyChart. The portal offers an easy way for patients to see test results, schedule appointments, pay bills, order prescription refills, check in for appointments, message their care teams, and manage care for their families.
"This new system represents a transformational step forward for our organization and the communities we serve," said Courtney Starnes, chief information officer for Kaleida Health. "By bringing all patient information into one secure, connected platform, we're empowering our care teams with the tools they need to deliver safer, faster and more coordinated care."
Key Benefits and Implementation
The new patient record system delivers several key benefits, including unified patient information accessible across all Kaleida Health locations, improved communication between care teams and departments, enhanced patient safety through standardized documentation and reduced duplication, streamlined workflows that allow clinicians to spend more time with patients, modern digital tools supporting long-term innovation and system growth, and an improved patient experience allowing patients firsthand control over their healthcare journey.
Kaleida Health comprises more than 13,000 employees, providers, and staff across the organization who all contributed to making this transition possible. The move to a single Epic (search) instance represented a complex, multi-year effort requiring extensive planning, training, testing, and collaboration across every facet of the organization.
"The successful launch of our new electronic health record is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication, expertise, resilience and teamwork across our healthcare system," said Don Boyd, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. "This was a massive undertaking that touched nearly every area of operations, and the level of coordination from clinical, operational, technical and support teams was truly remarkable. Thank you to every employee and provider who contributed throughout this journey and helped make this milestone a reality."
Boyd also acknowledged state-level support, adding, "We want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul and her administration for their commitment to healthcare and reinforcing our vision of unifying Western New York onto one medical system. We're very thankful for the Governor's support as we continue to innovate and improve healthcare across our region."
Kaleida Health will continue rolling out training and support resources to ensure a smooth transition for staff and patients.