Community Health Network

Community Health Network unveils new program that will provide total health care integration for consumers; myCommunity offers convenient passport to complex health care world

For release: 8/7/2008

Indianapolis, IN--The health care world is a complicated one and patients often find themselves frustrated as they navigate their way through it.  There are repetitive and time-consuming steps at check-in; endless minutes on hold; long waits to talk to a medical professional; and multiple forms to complete.  These hassles could become a thing of the past with Community Health Network’s unique, integrated approach to health care delivery.  The myCommunity program unveiled today provides patients and consumers with a convenient passport to a world of health care services and management tools.

The myCommunity program offers convenience and connection to the complex world of health care.  One way to access that world is with the myCommunity magnetic swipe card, which is the most comprehensive and secure service card in health care today.  When consumers or patients obtain the card, they have access to a unique array of integrated services they can use online, by phone or in person.  These services allow myCommunity members to manage their personal health records; check in to a network facility; order prescriptions and refills; receive medical reminders; update family on the health status of a loved one; and chat with a nurse.

“This is the future of health care,” said Dan Rench, vice-president of e-Business for Community Health Network.  “myCommunity is totally unique because, unlike other health care systems, we have integrated multiple service tools for our patients and consumers, giving them greater control of all their personal health.  Customers demand coordination of care and one-stop shopping for all their health care needs. myCommunity provides this. We also believe the program has the ability to drive down health care costs and improve patient safety.”

Among the newest and most innovative components of the myCommunity program are the express check-in and a new application of the online patient health record.  The online patient health record provides a secure way to reveal important medical information to emergency department personnel upon arrival to a Community emergency department.  With the swipe of the myCommunity card, health care providers will have a host of key information at their fingertips, such as prescription medications taken by the patient, allergies, and insurance and emergency contact information.  In addition, emergency personnel will have immediate access to a patient’s most recent EKG, an electronic recording of the heart’s rhythm and function.  Later this year, a patient’s personal health record can be accessed by any physician at any location in the network, when a patient is identified as a myCommunity member.

The express check-in component is designed with the goal of eliminating paperwork from the check-in process.  Community Health Network has partnered with global technology leader NCR to offer this service at selected facilities and is the only health care organization in the Midwest to have it.  Express check-in, like self-service models used successfully by airline and other industries outside of health care, allows patients to expedite the check-in process and access concierge services all by swiping their magnetic myCommunity card at an onsite kiosk.

Another cutting-edge technology now available at Community is mobile eCommunity.  Utilizing smart phone technology, patients on the go can access directions to their physician’s office or hospital, find a doctor, refill a prescription, access a health library and sign up to receive medical text messages, all by mobile phone at http://mobile.ecommunity.com.

Features of myCommunity include the following free onsite and online services:

Online personal health record:  Keep all your health care history information in one secure location.  Information includes procedures, medications, your doctor list and insurance information.  You can even print out a card to keep with you at all times.

Text messaging program:  Choose the health topics that you’re interested in and receive text messages on your mobile phone.

Express check-in:  At selected facilities, you can expedite your check-in process and take advantage of on-site concierge services. Community Health Network is the only health care organization in the Midwest to offer this self-service model.

SharingSite:  A secure blog for new parents or long-term care patients to update their status and post pictures for loved ones anywhere in the country.

Find a doctor and request an appointment:  Search by ZIP code, specialty insurance, gender and more.  Request, schedule and confirm your physician appointment.

24-hour interactive online health resources:  Exclusive ability to chat with a registered nurse, schedule your physician appointment, complete health risk assessments and utilize health and fitness tracking tools.

Mobile eCommunity:  Community is the first health care system in Indiana to offer this type of smart phone service, applicable to any Web-enabled mobile device or smart phone with Internet connectivity.  The technology allows you to order a prescription refill without using a phone tree or automated pharmacy line, get immediate directions and phone number access to your doctor.

Wellspring Pharmacy and retail discounts:  Special savings at Community’s Wellspring Pharmacies on select over-the-counter items and free consultation with pharmacists, nurse practitioners and Medicare Part D specialists.  You also get free UPS prescription delivery.  Take advantage of discounts at hearing and vision centers, local restaurants and retailers.

To learn more about the myCommunity program, please visit www.eCommunity.com/myCommunity.

Ranked among the top 20 integrated health care networks in the nation, Community Health Network has more than 70 sites of care throughout central Indiana. This includes Community Hospitals East, North and South in Indianapolis and Community Hospital Anderson; The Indiana Heart Hospital, a dedicated heart hospital; Indiana Surgery Centers; Community Physicians of Indiana; Community Home Health Services; MedCheck urgent care centers and MEDPOINT express convenience clinics; employer health services; nursing homes; and other health care facilities. Community Health Network is committed to getting you well and back to your life. For more information about Community Health Network or to find a physician, call 800-777-7775 or visit eCommunity.com.

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Lynda de Widt
Media Relations
Community Health Network
317-621-3636
E-mail