CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Leading healthcare information technology provider InteliChart, Inc. today announced the adoption of the InteliChart Patient Portal by Horizon Eye Care. The Charlotte-based ophthalmology practice, which includes six locations, selected the portal in late 2012 to further foster patient engagement through enhanced functionality, empowering patients with convenient, online access to care management. Adopting the patient portal is a key initiative by Horizon Eye Care to streamline communication between the practice and its patients.

With the desire for care convenience on the rise, offering solutions to fit patients' lifestyles is critical. A recent poll from Harris Interactive captured this growing trend, reporting more than half of patients surveyed said having online access to appointment scheduling and/or connection to billing and payment information is important to them. With this approach in mind, Horizon Eye Care adopted InteliChart's patient portal, allowing patients to schedule appointments, electronically fill out healthcare forms, request prescription refills and pay statements online. By having 24/7 access to these administrative functions in one location, patients can more easily manage their accounts without the limitations of traditional business hours. Fostering this sense of ownership with patients translates into increased bandwidth for Horizon Eye Care staff to keep their focus on more mission-critical tasks, such as care delivery.

"Getting patients involved as active players in their care creates not only a convenient and accessible healthcare environment, but it also allows us to remain a competitive practice by retaining existing patients and attracting new referrals," said Kathy Murray, chief operating officer at Horizon Eye Care. "Allowing our patients to easily manage activities, such as refilling prescriptions and scheduling appointments through the portal, gives our patients optimal communication with the practice, resulting in healthier outcomes."

Since implementation, more than 1,000 patients have registered for the portal. Horizon Eye Care staff is continuing to encourage sign up and use by providing information at check-in and check-out, in the exam room and on the website. In the future, patients will have access to even more information, such as their medical history and visit summaries through the InteliChart patient portal's ability to integrate information seamlessly with an electronic health record.

"With the patient portal, Horizon Eye Care is laying the groundwork for increased patient engagement and streamlined staff workflow, ultimately leading to enhanced efficiency and better patient outcomes," said Gary Hamilton, president and founder of InteliChart. "By bolstering communication and providing additional ways for patients to connect with the practice, Horizon Eye Care can enhance care and also prepare to meet legislative initiatives like Meaningful Use."

To learn more about InteliChart, visit www.intelichart.com. To learn more about Horizon Eye Care visit www.horizoneye.com.

About Horizon Eye Care

Horizon Eye Care is a locally owned and operated ophthalmology practice providing quality eye care services to Charlotte area residents. Horizon Eye Care was formed in 1997 following the merger of Gaskin Eye Associates and Charlotte Eye. Horizon offers a full-range of Ophthalmology services including surgical and medical eye care with Corneal, Retinal, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Oculoplastics, Glaucoma, and Pediatric exams as well as routine eye care, all coupled with supporting preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services, including optical and contact lens departments, LASIK, and aesthetic services. For more information about Horizon Eye Care visit our website at www.horizoneye.com or call us at 704-365-0555.

About InteliChart

InteliChart is a health information technology company focused on connecting patients, providers and their communities. Products include: the InteliChart Integration Engine (IIE) provides connectivity between ambulatory and acute entities; InteliChart Patient Portal is a user friendly solution designed for patients of all ages and technical competencies providing bi-directional connectivity for clinical and administrative information; InteliChart Physician Portal enables provider to provider communications and exchange of usable patient information. For more information, visit our website at http://www.intelichart.com or call 866.957.8890. Follow us on Twitter (@InteliChart) or visit the InteliChart Facebook page or the InteliChart blog.