Mount Sinai Health System has joined several other leading healthcare provider organizations by launching OpenNotes, the national initiative that allows patients electronic access to their provider’s notes in their medical records.

“When patients can access their physicians’ notes, they can better understand their medical issues and treatment plan as active partners in their care,” said Sandra Myerson, system chief patient experience officer of the organization's Joseph F. Cullman, Jr. Institute for Patient Experience. “This can ultimately lead to improved patient engagement, patient empowerment, and communication between patient and physician.”

Four Mount Sinai physicians in various clinical practices conducted the initial OpenNotes pilot beginning in December 2015, according to a release. Patients who participated in this effort reported great satisfaction with their ability to access more in depth medical records and reported feeling more connected and involved in their healthcare. Patients noted the information provided a better timeline of care, history of treatments and thorough explanation of office visits.

"Patients expect and deserve to have full access to their medical records and the Mount Sinai Health System is committed to meeting this expectation," said Jeremy Boal, MD, Mount Sinai's chief medical officer.  

The notes are available for the first time in the health system’s EHR patient portal called MyMountSinaiChart, which was launched in 2012.

Geisinger, Kaiser Permanente and Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are some of the other providers offering OpenNotes.