ACLM and eClinicalWorks are revolutionizing patient care by merging lifestyle medicine into electronic health records for improved health outcomes.
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has announced an exciting partnership with eClinicalWorks aimed at integrating lifestyle medicine tools into electronic health records (EHRs). This collaboration is a game changer for healthcare providers and patients alike, particularly in outpatient settings and community health centers where eClinicalWorks is prevalent.
Improving Patient Care
As healthcare continues to evolve with a greater focus on preventive care and holistic treatment, this partnership represents a significant step forward. Girish Navani, the co-founder and CEO of eClinicalWorks, emphasized the importance of this integration, stating, "Healthcare organizations are increasingly focused on prevention, whole-person care, and improving long-term outcomes." With lifestyle medicine embedded directly into clinical workflows, healthcare providers will have practical tools at their disposal to assess needs, document interventions, educate their patients, and monitor progress over time.
Simplifying Workflow Challenges
Healthcare professionals like Will Koopal, PA-C, at Albany Area Primary Health Care in Georgia, understand the hurdles posed by manual coordination in delivering lifestyle medicine programs. He pointed out, "Lifestyle medicine shouldn't have to operate as something separate from primary care." Although they currently utilize tools like FreshRx through eClinicalWorks to connect patients with essential resources, much of the follow-up coordination—including scheduling and billing—remains a manual process.
Koopal believes that the integration of lifestyle medicine tools into EHRs will enhance the management of patient engagement and outcomes significantly. With these resources seamlessly connected, clinicians can more easily track patient participation and observe improvements in clinical indicators, such as A1c and blood pressure levels.
ACLM and eClinicalWorks: Who They Are
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine is a leading professional society dedicated to establishing lifestyle medicine as the gold standard in clinical practice. Since 2004, ACLM has equipped over 100,000 healthcare professionals with the education, certifications, and resources necessary to address chronic diseases' root causes. The organization is committed to shifting healthcare focus from merely managing diseases to fostering overall health.
Founded in 1999, eClinicalWorks has made significant strides in transforming healthcare documentation. The company specializes in cloud-based Electronic Health Records and Practice Management solutions, supporting a wide array of healthcare practitioners and organizations. Currently, over 190,000 providers rely on its innovative tools to effectively manage their practice and deliver high-quality care.
A Vision for the Future
The integration of lifestyle medicine practices into electronic health records represents a forward-thinking approach to patient care. As this collaboration unfolds, it has the potential to change the way healthcare providers address chronic diseases dramatically. By simplifying workflows and embedding evidence-based lifestyle strategies into everyday practice, clinicians can enhance patient outcomes and empower individuals on their health journeys.
In this partnership, both ACLM and eClinicalWorks aim not just to streamline operations but also to uplift overall patient well-being through comprehensive care strategies. The result could be a healthcare environment where prevention and lifestyle medicine are seamlessly woven into the fabric of patient care.
