The Gateway

Before I joined the Army in 2007, I used various systems to capture electronic medical records (EMRs) in civilian hospitals. I found them to be very cumbersome and difficult to use.

When I arrived in Korea, I learned to use the MC4 system. It is definitely the best EMR system I have used. Most issues with system stem from human error. The only way to combat this is to ensure proper training and continued use.

This system is very user-friendly. The dropdown menus guide you through the process to screen patients so that every aspect of the patient’s health is documented. This way, when the providers review the chart, they have a complete understanding of the conditions and can review the patient’s medical history.

I train all of the new medics that join the unit to use the EMR system. When the unit first learned to use MC4 in the combined troop aid station (CTAS), the medics complained about the system and resisted charting with the laptops.

Today, I don’t hear any complaints about the system. They pick it up very quickly. The younger medics are comfortable with the technology, since they grew up with computers and Gameboys. The MC4 system is just a new computer system for them to learn.

On top of my other duties, I also fulfill the role of the unit level administrator. I backup the databases, as well as create and reset passwords. It’s not difficult when you follow the steps to do the tasks correctly.

During the four-day Thanksgiving weekend in 2008, I reimaged all of the hardware in the CTAS. Earlier that month, we had two laptops go bad during a field training exercise. I reimaged the computers to get them operational again. Around this time I was informed by the MC4 technical support personnel that the Active Directory system would be loaded on all of the computers. I spent the next four days reimaging nine laptops and a server. When the doors of the CTAS opened Monday morning for sick call, every terminal operated properly.

Occasionally, I find myself on the other side of the MC4 systems during sick call or when I require treatment for other ailments. In 2008, I accidentally fell and tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). My medical records were digitally captured in the system and accessed in AHLTA by providers at the 121st General Hospital in Yongsan. If I experience any future problems with my knee, the records are easily accessible to assist with future treatments.

Spc. Jonathan Cates, 210th Fires Brigade, Camp Casey, South Korea