Prairie Lakes Affiliates with Sanford Health to Launch Epic System

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System & Epic Electronic Health Record
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System & Epic Electronic Health Record

WATERTOWN, S.D. – October 16, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) announces a significant step forward in their vision to provide "Exceptional Care Every Day" through an Affiliation Agreement with Sanford Health to implement Epic as the new electronic health record (EHR) at PLHS.

Vince Foley, Chairman of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors, emphasized the benefits of this affiliation, stating, “A collaboration with Sanford Health will help leverage talent and resources, expanding access to services for our 10-county service area.” He added, “This agreement is yet another example of our commitment to ensure patients and families receive the highest quality preventive and medical care.”

The agreement represents an opportunity for Prairie Lakes to adopt and standardize on the industry-leading EHR system. The transition will enhance care coordination across Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and with Sanford Health, the largest healthcare system in South Dakota.

“Our affiliation with Sanford Health to migrate to Epic is pivotal to enhancing our physician practices,” stated Prairie Lakes Chief Medical Officer and family medicine physician, Dr. Dan Reiffenberger. “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 strongly supports the Prairie Lakes’ Mission to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities we serve. The work to positively impact patients and families is ongoing. The Affiliation Agreement with Sanford Health will enhance these efforts, resulting in patients experiencing a higher quality outcome and greater overall satisfaction.

“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.

While Prairie Lakes already boasts numerous quality accolades, this affiliation creates an even greater opportunity to enhance patient care in the communities served.

“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.

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About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System

Located in Watertown, S.D., Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent healthcare organization that provides care for 90,000 people in a ten-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. The system is focused on meeting the needs of the region with a mission to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities they serve. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers exceptional care every day in close to 30 medical specialties/services with over 800 physicians, caregivers, and professionals on staff to serve their communities.

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