With a complete electronic medical record that includes patient data, invoices, in-house laboratory diagnostics, reference laboratory and telemedicine services, the integrated system at Island Veterinary Hospital is the first of its kind in Canada.

Island Veterinary Hospital's team can access and update patient information in seconds from anywhere in the hospital and people in different parts of the hospital can work simultaneously on the same case. For example, a veterinary nurse can fill a prescription as a doctor updates a patient's electronic medical record after a physical examination. Laboratory tests are bar coded and results are completed within minutes and immediately downloaded into the Cornerstone practice management system, allowing the doctor to view results from any of the dozen+ computers situated throughout the hospital.

Being integrated allows for easy communication among the hospital with IDEXX reference laboratories, and IDEXX Telemedicine specialists. When you open an electronic medical record and submit a reference laboratory test request, the computer generates a printed form to enclose with the blood sample. Every three minutes the hospital's computer pulls information from the IDEXX reference laboratory in Langley. "As soon as the results are available, we get them …. you can't get the results any faster."

What does this mean for our patients? Well, the days of calling for lab results and waiting for the fax machine are over. With the integrated system we see the results and can take action immediately. We also have a team of specialists only a phone call or email away. With our integrated system we not only have clinical pathologists but radiologists and internal medicine specialists to help guide us in the optimal care for your sick or injured pet.

Along with the integrated laboratory, Island Veterinary Hospital has also added direct digital radiography. Use of X-ray films, chemical development and large folders are replaced with a computerized plate that electronically displays your pets x-rays onto a computer screen. Settings can then be adjusted in the computer meaning fewer radiographs and better quality. Areas of interest can be zoomed in on and fine tuning performed for closer assessment. If there is a perplexing case, the radiograph can be sent electronically to a veterinary radiologist for review.

As an added bonus, your pet's x-ray image can be printed for you to take home or emailed to you. Add to that the security of knowing that your pet's x-ray image is permanently stored in their electronic medical file for review or comparison purposes later on.