PCH launches patient portal for electronic access

In compliance with the federal government's Meaningful Use Initiative, all hospitals are being required to electronically provide patients (and/or a patient-authorized user) access to their patient record.

Having electronic access through a personal, secured email will allow the patient the ability to review their medical record after their stay at Putnam County Hospital.

The access provides information, including but not limited to, medical procedures completed, medical history, medications taken, allergies, existing or developing medical conditions, etc. The patient can also download confidential medical records to a private computer for their personal records, as well as electronically share records with another medical professional of choice.

Registering to access medical records electronically will also give the user the option to pay his or her Putnam County Hospital bill online.

"Putnam County Hospital is excited to offer these convenient services to our patients," a spokesman said, "and is here to help our patients through every step of the process."

Patients can now sign up for their Patient Portal account during the registration process at PCH or they can visit the PCH Medical Records Department, which is located at the ground level (basement) of the hospital.

Persons who have any questions or concerns regarding the Putnam County Hospital Patient Portal may contact the Putnam County Hospital Medical Records Department at 655-2590.

For any questions regarding the Meaningful Use initiative, contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services via the website: http://cms.gov and search for "Meaning-

ful Use."

Accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program and licensed by the Indiana State Board of Health, Putnam County Hospital has been providing services since 1924.

For more information on Putnam County Hospital's services, persons may call 653-5121 or go to www.pchosp.org.