Beauregard Health System has integrated Artera’s patient communication platform and a prescription engagement solution from DrFirst into its MEDITECH Expanse electronic health record to streamline post-appointment medication communication and improve patient engagement. The project forms part of the Louisiana-based provider’s broader digital patient engagement strategy, particularly focused on rural populations with limited broadband access.

Beauregard serves a high proportion of Medicare and Medicaid patients in rural communities, where text messaging is often the most reliable digital communication channel. The health system said consolidating medication-related messaging into a single trusted phone number has helped reduce friction and increase patient confidence in prescription information.

Meg Jackson, director of IT at Beauregard Health System, said: “Text messaging is our most effective channel for reaching patients, so we are constantly seeking ways to enhance it. Our goal with this integration was to unify messaging from disparate sources. By consolidating outreach through a single phone number, we’ve reduced barriers and strengthened patient trust. When patients receive secure medication information from a recognizable source, it reinforces their confidence in us and improves their overall experience.”

Following appointments, adult patients who receive prescriptions now get a personalised text message within minutes, containing medication details, pharmacy information, educational materials, and cost-saving options. The system does not require patients to download an app or log into a portal.

Beauregard reported a 500% increase in prescription-related messages sent to patients, a 550% increase in educational content viewed, and a 650% increase in pick-up reminders set by patients following the integration. DrFirst said it maintained a near 100% patient satisfaction rate during the deployment.

Laizer Kornwasser, CEO of DrFirst, said: “Medication adherence remains one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges, particularly in rural communities where access barriers compound the issue. Beauregard Health System is demonstrating how strategic integrations can help more patients stay on track with their treatment. That’s especially critical in rural communities where every barrier matters.”

The health system has also deployed AI-enabled communication tools for preventive care outreach, reporting closure of 18% of gaps in mammography screening and 13% in colorectal screening within two months of implementation.

Guillaume de Zwirek, CEO of Artera, said: “Our partnership with Beauregard Health System is built on a shared commitment to bringing innovative, AI-powered solutions to the patients who need them most. This latest integration is clear proof of how Beauregard operates as a tech-forward health system. By bringing the latest technological advancements directly to their communities, they continue to simplify and elevate the entire care experience.”

The collaboration between Artera and DrFirst is positioned as part of MEDITECH Alliance Partner interoperability efforts, with the companies highlighting the Communication Hub integration as a way to connect patient communication and prescription engagement workflows within MEDITECH Expanse.