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Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has announced a pivotal step in its mission to provide “Exceptional Care Every Day” through a new affiliation agreement with Sanford Health. This collaboration will see the implementation of Epic, an electronic health record (EHR) system at PLHS.
Vince Foley, Chairman of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors, highlighted the significance of this partnership. “A collaboration with Sanford Health will help leverage talent and resources, expanding access to services for our 10-county service area,” he said. “This agreement is yet another example of our commitment to ensure patients and families receive the highest quality preventive and medical care.”
The agreement is designed to standardize operations within the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and enhance care coordination with Sanford Health, the largest healthcare system in South Dakota.
Dr. Dan Reiffenberger, Chief Medical Officer and family medicine physician at Prairie Lakes, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming changes. “Our affiliation with Sanford Health to migrate to Epic is pivotal to enhancing our physician practices,” he stated. “It will create opportunities to improve quality outcomes and elevate satisfaction among our physicians, staff, and patients. We eagerly anticipate the transition to Epic.”
The affiliation agreement reinforces Prairie Lakes’ mission to positively impact the health of the communities it serves. PLHS aims to provide improved patient care and higher satisfaction levels as a result of this partnership.
“This agreement strengthens our collective commitment to delivering the highest quality of care to the Prairie Lakes service area as we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our communities,” said Eric Hilmoe, Chief Operating Officer at Sanford Health Network.
Despite already holding numerous quality accolades, Prairie Lakes sees this affiliation as a chance to further enhance patient care in the regions it serves.
“With this agreement and subsequent implementation of Epic, Prairie Lakes reaffirms its commitment to innovation, quality, and patient-centered care, setting the stage for improved healthcare delivery in northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota,” said PLHS President and Chief Executive Officer John Allen.
As the transition unfolds, both organizations are optimistic about the potential benefits for patients and healthcare providers alike.
