Part of Skagit Regional Health's $316 million budget for 2016 includes a new EHR system.
The Mount Vernon, Wash.-based health system has allocated $72 million over the next five years for an Epic EHR.
Skagit Regional Health expects the implementation process to take approximately 18 months, with a go-live scheduled for mid-2017.
The health system hired 53 new employees in the information systems department to assist with the EHR implementation process, and it plans to ad 15 to 20 more positions this year. Additionally, Epic staff members will be on-site during the implementation process.
"Not only does this huge investment in a state-of-the-art electronic health record speak to the advanced level of healthcare available in Skagit County, but also the professionals coming to work in our area for a long period will have a significant economic impact through meals, lodging and retail sales," said John Sternlicht, executive director of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County.
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