Bakersfield, Calif.-based Kern Medical went live on a Cerner EHR Nov. 1, according to The Bakersfield Californian.
The 222-bed hospital began its transition to the Cerner system about 20 months ago to replace the multiple, disparate records systems in place since the early 1990s, according to the report. The Cerner Millennium EHR system is expected to cost about $30 million over the next seven years.
To support the new EHR, Kern Medical installed new hardware and a new fiber optic cable. The Cerner system will integrate "every level of a patient's record regardless of venue, billing records, health maintenance information and consultation coordination," the publication reports.
Kern Medical will also launch Cerner's online patient portal, which will allow patients to message their providers, view the health information and schedule appointments, among other functions.