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Packard Health patients will notice some exciting changes to our online patient portal and improved coordination of care between different health systems now that we have switched to Epic Electronic Health Records system and the MyChart patient portal.

Read on to learn more about what you need to do during the transition and what things may look and feel a little different as we make the switch to this new and improved system.

We know that changes can be tricky, but our main goal is always to take care of you, our patients. If you have any questions, just give us a call at (734) 971-1073. We're here to help and make things easy for you.

What is Epic?

Epic is a best-in-class confidential, patient-centered Electronic Health Record platform used by many major medical centers across the country, including Michigan Medicine, IHA, and Trinity Health.

Epic will improve coordination of care between Packard and major health systems in our area such as Michigan Medicine, IHA, and Trinity Health. When your Packard Health team, the labs handling your test, and specialists all work together more efficiently it makes sure that you get even better results.

Note: Packard Health's Epic software is hosted by University of Michigan Health-West. Packard Health remains a separate entity, and is not a part of UM Health-West or Michigan Medicine. Your medical record will continue to be held by Packard Health, but occasionally you may receive messages or technical support from UM Health-West regarding your MyChart account.

Introducing Epic's patient portal, MyChart!

The move to Epic will also give patients access to the MyChart patient portal, which will replace our current Athena portal. MyChart is accessible through both a mobile app and website and will provide better access to your health information.

Once your record is complete MyChart will allow you to:

• Better connect and communicate with your care team
• View clinical information
• View test results
• Pay bills
• Schedule appointments
  (This feature is coming soon!)
• Request refills
  (Your medications may not immediately appear in your record when you sign up for your MyChart portal. If you need a refill and are unable to do so within the portal, please call our call center at (734) 971-1073.)

If you already have a MyChart account with Michigan Medicine, Trinity Health, or another medical provider you also can combine your accounts so you can see all of your medical information in one location!

What do I need to know about this switch and the transition schedule?

Rest assured, we want to make it clear that we haven't merged or altered our excellent service and medical quality. We're still your trusted Packard Health, committed to enhancing and refining our services for an even better experience.

Please be patient with us as we make the switch to Epic and MyChart! Here are things that you need to know during the transition:

• If you currently use our Athena portal you should have received an email from UM Health-West (mychartadmin@umhwest.org) with instructions to sign up for your new Packard Health MyChart account. Simply follow the instructions in the email and you'll be all set.
  
  If you don't currently use the Athena portal, or if you don't receive that email, you can get your MyChart activation code at your next office visit.
  
• It will take our staff some time to complete the transition of your health information to Epic, so when you first access your MyChart account you may notice that some information and some features are not immediately available. Please call our call center at (734) 971-1073 if you need to do something that is not available within the portal. For example:
  • if you need a medication refill and your medication is not listed in the portal.
  • if you need to schedule an appointment and that feature has not been enabled yet.
    
• We will be reducing the number of available appointments temporarily.
  
• When you arrive for your first appointment after the transition to Epic, you will have a couple extra steps to ensure that all of your information is accurate and up-to-date. This is only at the first appointment - you won't need to do these at subsequent appointments.
  
  • Bring your IDs and insurance cards. Our front desk staff must scan your IDs and insurance cards into your Epic medical record at your first appointment, even if they were already scanned at a prior appointment.
    
  • You will need to sign paperwork including a Consent to Treat form. This paperwork is similar to what you signed when you initially became a Packard Health patient, but it needs to be updated in your new Epic medical record.
    
• As our staff becomes familiar with the new system you may temporarily experience longer wait times when calling the call center, checking in for an appointment, or checking out after an appointment.
  
• As mentioned earlier, our Epic and MyChart software is hosted by University of Michigan Health-West. Packard Health remains a separate entity, and is not a part of UM Health-West or Michigan Medicine. Your medical record will continue to be held by Packard Health, but occasionally you may receive messages or technical support from UM Health-West regarding your MyChart account.

What else can I do with MyChart?