Accessing your family member electronic health records

Description:

Accessing a family member's electronic health records (EHR) while they are in the hospital can be a valuable tool for staying informed about their medical care and ensuring that you can provide appropriate support. Many hospitals and healthcare systems, especially those using the Epic health records platform, offer a way for family members to view a patient’s medical information via a family or proxy account. Here’s a detailed description of how to do this effectively:

1. Request Proxy Access:

   • To access a family member's electronic health records (EHR), you’ll need to request proxy access through the hospital or healthcare system. This means you’ll have permission to view and manage some aspects of their health information.
   • The patient (your family member) typically needs to authorize this access. If they are a minor or incapacitated, the hospital will provide guidance on how to obtain permission legally.
   • Some hospitals allow you to apply for proxy access online via the patient portal (often referred to as MyChart in Epic systems), or you may need to fill out forms in person at the hospital's administrative office or patient services department.

2. Log Into the Patient Portal (MyChart):

   • Once proxy access is granted, you will be able to log into the MyChart portal, which is part of the Epic EHR system. MyChart is available both through a web browser and as a mobile app, making it convenient to use whether you're at home or at the hospital.
   • After logging in, you’ll have access to your family member's medical records, which may include their current medications, lab results, doctor’s notes, imaging reports, and upcoming appointments or procedures.

3. Monitor Their Health Status:

   • One of the primary benefits of accessing the EHR through a family account is being able to stay up-to-date on real-time changes in your family member’s health status. You can check test results as they come in, view updates to their treatment plan, and review notes written by their healthcare providers.
   • This transparency allows you to have informed conversations with the care team, helping you understand the reasoning behind different treatments or tests.

4. Medication and Treatment Plan:

   • Access to the medication list is particularly important when your family member is in the hospital. You can verify that all medications are correct and ensure that there are no allergies or adverse interactions, especially if you are involved in their home care once they are discharged.
   • You can also view treatment plans and scheduled procedures or surgeries, making it easier to track their progress and anticipate what comes next.

5. Communicate with Healthcare Providers:

   • Many hospitals allow proxy users to send secure messages to healthcare providers directly through MyChart. This can be helpful if you need clarification on your family member's condition, if you want to request more information, or if you need to coordinate care between different specialists.
   • Messaging via the portal also helps reduce the need for phone calls or waiting for in-person meetings, ensuring you stay informed and get timely answers to your questions.

6. Coordinate Care and Share Information:

   • If multiple family members are involved in caregiving, proxy access allows everyone to stay on the same page. For instance, you can share updates with other family members who may not have access to the portal but are still part of the support system.
   • You can also download or print medical records if needed for follow-up care, legal purposes, or to share with outside healthcare providers.

7. Customize Notifications:

   • Epic’s MyChart system allows you to set up custom notifications for key updates in your family member’s care. You can receive alerts when new test results are available, when the treatment plan changes, or when a new message from the care team arrives.
   • This feature ensures you don’t miss critical information, even if you’re not actively logged into the portal.

8. Maintain Privacy and Security:

   • Proxy accounts are designed to ensure the patient’s privacy is respected. The hospital will likely require that you follow specific protocols to maintain security. This could include using two-factor authentication for login, keeping passwords secure, and following the hospital’s guidelines for sharing information.
   • The patient also has control over what information is visible to the proxy. In some cases, they may choose to limit access to certain sensitive information, such as mental health records or sexual health data.

9. Access Post-Hospitalization Information:

   • After your family member is discharged, you can continue to access their MyChart account to view follow-up instructions, schedule outpatient appointments, and monitor their recovery.
   • This helps you ensure that your family member adheres to their post-discharge care plan, which might include taking medications, attending rehabilitation sessions, or following dietary recommendations.

Treatment For:

Family Member in the Hospital

AI generated Summary: Based on the provided information, the treatment "Accessing your family member electronic health records" has been rated as highly effective (5 out of 5) by the author for managing the situation when a family member is in the hospital. The author suggests that accessing electronic health records is one of the best ways to track a loved one's progress and understand their current situation and treatment plans, although talking to doctors directly can also be beneficial.