Elderly physician leaves Amita Health after refusing to learn new EMR system
Jeffrey Johnson, MD, a 75-year-old physician, and Amita Health St. Alexius Medical Center have parted ways after Johnson refused to take educational courses on the hospital's new electronic medical record (EMR) system.
Following the implementation of the new EMR, Johnson refused to take classes on how to properly use the computer system. "I just can't practice anymore at our hospital because I don't know how to use the computer efficiently,” said Johnson.
"Our hospital recently implemented a new electronic-medical-record (EMR) platform as part of a systemwide initiative to ensure that patient records are readily accessible and shared on a common platform across all our facilities," said Len Wilk, president and CEO of Amita Health St. Alexius Medical Center. "EMR technology has been shown to reduce medical errors and increase quality and safety. Because Amita Health is committed to delivering the highest-quality care and ensuring patient safety, we require all of our practitioners to receive training in the use of our new EMR platform for ordering and documenting clinical care."
Johnson, estimated to have delivered around 15,000 babies, will continue to see women in his private practice to confirm pregnancy and refer patients to either his son or brother, both obstetricians.
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Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.