Starkville, MS — OCH Regional Medical Center is excited to announce the upcoming launch of a new electronic medical record (EMR) system that will significantly enhance the hospital’s operations and improve the patient care experience. This transition, scheduled for January 27, 2025, marks a major technological upgrade to streamline processes for healthcare providers and offer better service to the community.

The new EMR system, developed in partnership with Cerner Corp., a leading global health platform, will replace multiple existing systems with a single, cohesive, and secure platform. This change will improve access to patient information, reduce administrative tasks, and ultimately provide more efficient and accurate care.

James H. Jackson, CEO of OCH Regional Medical Center, shared, “The integration of a unified EMR system has been a long-term goal for our hospital. We are committed to enhancing the quality of care for our patients, and this new technology will allow us to provide a more seamless and efficient healthcare experience.”

Since early 2024, the hospital has been working alongside Cerner to integrate numerous EMR systems into one comprehensive platform. This includes systems for billing, registration, scheduling, patient care documentation, and record-keeping.

Russ Lyle, the Project Manager overseeing the EMR transition, explained, “This transition is a significant undertaking, but it is designed to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality
care.” He continued, “A unified EMR will give providers immediate access to the necessary health information, allowing them to make faster and more informed decisions.”

The new system will address several challenges currently faced by the hospital, such as reducing data fragmentation and improving communication between departments. Healthcare providers
will have all of a patient’s information in one place, reducing the chances of errors and enhancing coordination across the care continuum.

In addition to these improvements for healthcare providers, the new EMR system will also benefit patients by offering an upgraded, user-friendly patient portal. Through the OCH HealtheLife Patient Portal, patients will be able to easily access their health records, message providers, schedule appointments, and manage their prescriptions.

As part of the transition, OCH staff is undergoing extensive training to ensure the hospital is ready for a smooth launch. Staff members have been actively involved in the planning, development, and testing phases, ensuring the system is tailored to meet the specific needs of both patients and healthcare professionals.

Lyle emphasized the importance of adapting and streamlining processes, saying, “This new system will change the way we work by allowing us to access patient information in real time. For patients, this means less waiting and more efficient care. I’m excited to see how this will enhance the overall experience.”

Key Updates and What to Expect:

  • System Launch Date: January 27, 2025
  • New Patient Portal: Patients will be introduced to the OCH HealtheLife Portal to manage health information and communication with providers.
  • Increased Efficiency: All patient data will be stored in a single system for quicker access and improved accuracy.
  • Patient Support: OCH staff will assist patients with registering for the new portal and inputting their health information.
  • Patient Records: Medical records requests can be directed to the OCH Medical Records Department at 662.615.2901 during the transition.

For ongoing updates on the EMR launch and other important announcements, please visit och.org or follow OCH Regional Medical Center on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

“We appreciate your patience as we implement this new system,” stated Jackson. He continued, “The improvements we’re making will have a lasting positive impact on your care. We’re
excited to offer you a better experience, and we’re here to assist every step of the way.”

Media Contact:
Audra Gines
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
OCH Regional Medical Center
662.323.4320
agines@och.org
och.org

Scroll to Top