Rush, Ochsner Take Next Step in Partnership

Rush Health Systems and Ochsner Health System will enhance local healthcare services through the implementation of the electronic health information software, Epic, and Ochsner’s telemedicine capabilities.

As part of an agreement, Rush will also gain access to Ochsner’s billing practices and other support services with the goal of delivering a more seamless experience for patients and providers.

“Physicians from both organizations will have the opportunity to increase clinical collaboration, implement advanced, patient-centered technology, and ultimately expand services in the region,” says Fred Duggan, MD, chief medical officer, Rush Health Systems.

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Through the partnership, Ochsner will install and implement Epic, an e-health information software designed to improve care coordination, patient registration, scheduling, and clinical integration, while streamlining billing.

Epic will effectively coordinate care for patients across Rush and will allow patients to have better access to their own health information through Epic’s patient portal, MyChart. Through this secure online tool, patients can easily schedule appointments, communicate with their doctors, request prescription refills, and view visit summaries, lab, and imaging results from their laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

This announcement signifies the next step in a partnership between Rush and Ochsner. In 2018, all seven hospitals within Rush implemented Ochsner’s TeleStroke program, providing neurovascular care coverage 24/7 all year. TeleStroke allows nurses and physicians at Rush facilities to consult immediately with Ochsner vascular neurologists, using telemedicine equipment, to determine the best treatment options for stroke patients.