A New Digital Experience at Regional Health Services of Howard County

We are excited to share that Regional Health Services of Howard County is transitioning to Epic, one of the nation’s most trusted electronic health record systems, along with MyChart, Epic’s patient portal. This change represents a significant step in how we deliver, document, and experience care.

What is Epic?
Epic is a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) system used by healthcare organizations across the country. It allows care teams to document, review, and coordinate patient care securely and efficiently- all in one place.

 

What is MyChart?
MyChart is a secure online portal that gives patients easy access to their personal health information anytime, anywhere. Through MyChart, patients can:

  • View visit summaries, test results, and medical history
  • Message their care team securely
  • Request or view appointments
  • Review medications and allergies
  • Pay bills and manage account information

MyChart puts your healthcare information at your fingertips, helping you stay informed and involved in your care.

SIGN UP OR LOGIN to MYCHART

 

Why Are We Making This Change?
Transitioning to Epic and MyChart allows Regional Health Services of Howard County to modernize our system and better serve our patients and community. Our goals include:

  • Improving care coordination across services
  • Enhancing patients’ safety and data accuracy
  • Streamlining workflows for our care teams
  • Offering patients more convenient digital tools

This change supports our mission to provide high-quality, patient-centered care while preparing us for the future of healthcare.

 

How This Benefits Our Patients
For patients, Epic and MyChart mean:

  • Better access to information- view your health records and results in one secure place
  • Improved communication- message your care team and receive timely responses
  • More convenience- manage appointments, paperwork, and billing online
  • Continuity of care- your health information follows you across services and visits

Overall, this transition makes it easier to stay connected, informed, and engaged in your healthcare.

 

How This Benefits Our Employees and Providers
For our physicians, providers, nurses, and staff, Epic provides:

  • A single, integrated system for documentation and communication
  • Improved access to accurate, up-to-date patient information
  • Streamlined workflows that reduce duplication and inefficiencies
  • Enhanced tools that support clinical decision-making and teamwork

This helps our teams focus more on what matters most- caring for our patients.

To learn more about MyChart: go to mychart.org

 

Patient Bill Payment

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FQ&A

Need Help? Call 855-668-9704

For more help go to https://www.mychart.org/Help 

What is Epic, and why are we switching to it?

  • Epic is a modern electronic medical record (EMR) system used by leading hospitals nationwide. It gives patients easier access to their health information, improves communication with care teams, and helps us deliver safer, more coordinated care.

What is MyChart, and how do I use it?

  • MyChart is the new Patient Portal
  • With MyChart, you can:
    • View test results
    • Message care team
    • Manage appointments
    • Pay bills
    • Access visit notes
    • Refill/ manage prescriptions
    • More

What happened to Current Portal?

  • Starting May 14th at 5 PM, you can only make, adjust, or cancel appointments by calling the clinic
  • Starting May 29th at 12 PM, provider messaging and refill requests will be unavailable in the AveraChart portal. Contact your pharmacy if you need a refill during that time
  • May 30th, the AveraChart portal will become view-only access to look at information. Most information will transition to your new Avera MyChart portal.

Will my past medical information move into Epic & MyChart?

  • Yes- important health information will transfer into Epic.
  • Some older items may look slightly different or appear in a different section.

Will someone be available to help if I have trouble? 

  • Absolutely!- Call 855-668-9704 for technical help

Do I need to do anything before Go-Live?

  • Not too much!
  • Here is what can help:
    • Watch for MyChart sign-up information
    • When signing up, be sure to use your full legal name and information
    • DO NOT create a new MyChart account if you already have one with another organization. Use that existing account and add Regional Health Services of Howard County to your list.

How will I know what is changing and when? 

  • We will share updates through:
    • Our website
    • Social media channels
    • Printed materials in clinics and hospitals
    • Text and email notifications (if you are subscribed)
    • Staff assistance at registrations and check-in desks
  • If you ever feel unsure, just ask- we are happy to help!

How can I access my child’s or other family member’s MyChart account?

  • To provide proxy access in MyChart, a patient can grant another person permission to view and, depending on the access level, manage parts of their health record. This is commonly used for parents or guardians managing a child’s care, adults assisting aging parents, or caregivers helping other adults.
    Proxy access is set up by logging into the patient’s MyChart account, navigating to Sharing / Proxy Access, and inviting the proxy by entering their full legal name and email address. The patient selects an appropriate access level (such as full access or select information only), and the proxy then accepts the invitation by creating or using their own MyChart account. Access can be modified or revoked by the patient at any time through MyChart.
  • To learn more about Proxy access