Carolinas HealthCare System Launches Mobile Application to Improve Patient Access

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) recently launched its first-ever mobile application, CMC Health, to provide patients convenient access to medical care when they need it most.

CHS is the only hospital system in Mecklenburg County with this type of application. The application is free and now available for download through the Apple iTunes store and iPhone App store, and in the marketplace for use on Android mobile devices, by searching for "CMC Health."

"Enhancing the relationship between a patient and their doctor is the number one goal for this application," said Debra Pierce, Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations at CHS. "This application is one of many ways we are working to be better connected to those we serve."

CMC Health brings all the functionality of the CHS mobile website to phones and tablets to provide users convenient access to medical care and providers. With the application, users can find a CMC location and get its contact information and check its wait times. The application is GPS-enabled and directions to the facilities are easily accessible. CMC Health also has a "Find a Doctor" feature that allows users to search for a physician by name, specialty, practice, ZIP code and keywords. Users can also better connect to CHS through the organization's social media pages, also linked through the application.

"Development of this application has been a truly collaborative effort spanning almost every department in the system, and we are proud to share it with our patients," said Pam Landis, Assistant Vice President of Information Services at CHS.

Landis noted the application is just a first step in the organization's eHealth strategy that will include new applications and devices to help improve system efficiency and improve the relationship between patients and their physicians. CHS is currently working to develop a second, 2.0 version of CMC Health and a second application that will launch in fall 2011 to support the CHS Active Women program. 

To learn more about the CMC Health application and other eHealth offerings, visit http://www.carolinasmedicalcenter.org/mobile.

About Carolinas HealthCare System

Carolinas HealthCare System (www.carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation's leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of more than 600 care locations includes medical centers, hospitals, healthcare pavilions, physician practices, destination centers, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and hospice care. CHS works to improve and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and a variety of collaborative partnerships and initiatives.

SOURCE Carolinas HealthCare System