your health your way

by sanForD heaLth

capabilities even closer. Just add it to your smartphone for instant access wherever you go.

“These tools empower patients and bring convenience to busy lives,” said Dr. Twedt. “Patients are also pleased to know we’ve taken great care to make these tools user-friendly, secure and available at no cost.”

Cecille Hospidales has experienced the difference. Cecille and her family relocated from the East Coast to Fargo a year ago. She first heard about the online tools when she took her 8-year-old son to Sanford Children’s.

“We’d never been offered anything like this. ‘My Sanford Chart’ was a breath of fresh air,” said the 33-year-old. “It streamlines the whole process, especially the communication between patients and medical staff. To me it’s completely wonderful.”

For Cecille, a key use of “My Sanford Chart” has been accessing lab results. An email is sent directly to her when results are available, which means no waiting for a phone call.

“It’s great because I don’t have to wonder,” she said. “I also use the Sanford Health app, which makes all of this even more convenient.”

Whether for herself or her son, Cecille also utilizes the “My Sanford Chart” messaging capabilities. When she has questions about lab results or other parts of her care, Cecille can send a message to her care team.

“I know someone will get back to me with an answer, usually within 24 hours,” she said. “It’s also very convenient to schedule or change appointments online.”

At times, the biggest benefit of “My Sanford Chart” is the simplest: ease in accessing information.

“Sometimes I just need a memory jogger. I can get into my chart at any time and see the medication list, the doctor’s instructions and notes, the medical history -- it’s all there,” said Cecille. “Ultimately ‘My Sanford Chart’ has increased my engagement and empowered me in my care.”

A healthy difference

Dr. Twedt has seen the impact of “My Sanford Chart” in her own life as well as the lives of her patients. The mother of two recently completed a camp form for her daughter, including the vaccination section.

“In past years, it would’ve meant a phone call or digging through file folders,” she said. “Instead I just went to the Sanford Health app on my smartphone and all the vaccination records were right there. Convenient access to information is one of the biggest wins.”

In caring for patients, Dr. Twedt has noticed health improvements when people with chronic conditions are better able to track their lab results, take medications as directed and review care instructions. “My Sanford Chart” makes this easier.

“Tracking is important in so many aspects of health, even if you don’t have a chronic condition. Preventivecare screenings are a good example,” she said. “It’s easy to think you just had a colonoscopy a year ago when in fact it’s been five. ‘My Sanford Chart’ keeps you up-to-date and accurate.”

“My Sanford Chart” and the Sanford Health app make navigating daily life easier. Easy-to-use features help you find a doctor, locate the nearest Sanford Clinic and monitor wait times at Sanford Walk-In Clinics.

Get connected

Sign up for My Sanford Chart by: * Visiting mysanfordchart.org

* Talking to your nurse at your next Sanford Clinic appointment

The Sanford Health app is offered free of charge by visiting sanfordhealth. org and downloading thru the App Store or Google Play.

Better health is at your fingertips. [AWM]