GHC-SCW Becomes First Health Care Organization in the World to Adopt Epic’s AI Charting Tool
Groundbreaking innovation allows providers to focus fully on patients, reduces burnout and transforms the care experience.
GHC-SCW has become the first health care organization in the world to adopt Epic’s new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Charting tool into their medical practice, marking a major innovation milestone in the future of patient-centered care and provider well-being.
Epic AI Charting uses secure, health care-specific artificial intelligence to draft visit notes as it listens to in-person or virtual visits, with patient consent. By reducing the need for providers to balance listening, typing and documentation during appointments, the tool allows clinicians to be fully present with patients while ensuring timely, accurate medical records.
“This technology fundamentally changes the experience of a health care visit,” said Dr. Chris Kastman, Chief Medical Officer at GHC-SCW. “AI Charting supports our providers behind the scenes so they can focus on what matters most, including listening to their patients, building trust and making shared decisions together. It is a powerful example of how technology should enhance, not replace, human connection in health care.”
GHC-SCW providers who were among the first in the world to integrate the use of Epic AI Charting into their practice report meaningful improvements in both patient care and their own well-being.
“It’s changed my life and made note-writing so much easier,” said Dr. Kate Ledford, GHC-SCW Provider and Associate Medical Director of Informatics and Population Health. “It’s saving me time, which is great, but it’s also saving my sanity and allowing me to give more attention directly to my patients.”
“Beyond saving time and making note-writing easier, this tool has truly enhanced my experience of caring for patients. It has brought me back to why I went to medical school in the first place — to connect face-to-face with patients, not with a computer,” said Dr. Matthew Swedlund, Senior Medical Director at GHC-SCW.
According to Epic’s early impact data, clinicians using AI Charting reported:
- Saving up to 60 minutes per day
- Significant reductions in time spent on notes
- Improvements in both clinician well-being and patient experience
“We worked side-by-side with clinicians at GHC-SCW to develop AI Charting,” said Corey Miller, Vice President of Research and Development at Epic. “When they say it’s improving their patient visits and working lives, it’s a reminder of why we at Epic do what we do. Together, we’ve built something that’s already making a real difference — and this is just the beginning.”
GHC-SCW’s role as an early innovator builds on a long history of leadership in health information technology. The organization was also the first health care organization in Wisconsin to implement the EpicCare electronic medical record in 2002 and MyChart in 2003, helping shape how patients and providers interact with digital health tools.
“Provider burnout has been a growing challenge across health care for years,” said Dr. Mark Huth, President and Chief Executive Officer at GHC-SCW. “Epic AI Charting directly addresses that challenge while improving the patient experience. We are honored to partner with Epic on something so innovative and proud to once again help lead the industry forward.”
About Epic AI Charting
Epic AI Charting is a HIPAA-compliant clinical documentation tool used only with patient consent. Visit recordings are stored securely for a limited time and are not used to train AI models. Providers remain fully responsible for reviewing, editing and finalizing all medical documentation.
The new year is a great opportunity to focus on your health and well-being. Winter can make motivation tough with colder weather and shorter days. January and February are the perfect time to start fresh by building healthy habits with small steps. Read below for some helpful tips.
- Get outside when you can – Even if the weather is cold, take advantage of the nicer days. Bundle up, go for a walk, soak in the sunlight and spend time outside whenever the weather permits. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient our bodies need to stay healthy, and sunlight is one of the main sources. Staying indoors can reduce vitamin D levels, so getting outside when possible is important.
- Keep your skin hydrated, exfoliated, and protected from the sun – Even in winter, sunburn is possible. Wear long sleeves, hats and gloves and use sunscreen on exposed skin. Keep your skin healthy with lotion and gentle exfoliation to prevent dryness and cracking.
- Drink plenty of water – Due to dry air and reduced moisture, it’s important to stay hydrated in winter. Drinking water is another great way to keep your skin hydrated. Cold and flu season is at its peak during these colder months, so keeping your water intake up will help boost your immune function and keep you healthy.
- Prioritize sleep and keep a consistent schedule – Gloomy days may tempt you to stay in bed, but a routine matters. Aim for 8–10 hours of nightly sleep to support your energy and well-being. Wake up and go to bed at the same times each day to build a strong routine.
- Try a new activity – Winter routines can get monotonous. Explore a new hobby, workout or craft. Something different can lift your mood, keep you active and make winter enjoyable.
- Prioritize Mental Health – The early winter months can bring many symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) including fatigue, social withdrawal, irritability, periods of sadness and changes in sleep. It’s important to focus on your mental health during these colder months. Light therapy, meditation, exercise, staying connected with friends and family and a consistent sleep schedule can all help combat SAD. Talk with your health care provider if you or someone you know is struggling with SAD this winter.
You don’t need to make big changes, even one or two small habits can make a meaningful difference over time. These steps can help support your health and well-being throughout the winter months. Warmer, sunny days will return soon, but until then, keep these tips in mind.
We will implement holiday hours at our clinics and Administrative Building in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026. Check out the upcoming holiday hours in the chart below:
Facility |
Monday, January 19 | Holiday Hours |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Clinic at Capitol Clinic | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Capitol Clinic Pharmacy | Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Lab and Imaging | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
All other GHC-SCW Clinics & Administrative Offices:
|
Closed |
At GHC-SCW, we know that where you live and work should not be a barrier to receiving quality health care. As our membership continues to grow beyond Dane County, we are excited to expand our Large Group Partners HMO network into Rock County. This expansion gives members more local care options, decreases travel time and strengthens continuity of care for individuals and families across county lines.
GHC-SCW members will be able to visit clinics and hospitals in various cities in Rock County, Wisconsin.
The clinics in this expansion include:
- Beloit Health System
- Edgerton Hospital and Health Services
- Janesville Clinic – UW Health
- Mercyhealth
Services at these facilities include urgent care, emergency care, behavioral health, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, occupational therapy and more.
GHC-SCW members who live and/or work in Rock County now have increased access to care in their community, cutting travel time, expanding specialty care options and making it easier for families to access the services they need. Families who may be split across counties, meaning one parent lives in a separate county from the other, can now have a stronger continuity of care.
GHC-SCW is dedicated to assessing partnerships that help members get the health care services they need when they need them. This expansion improves access and continues to provide greater convenience, choice and service to GHC-SCW’s members outside of Dane County.
“By expanding our network in neighboring counties, we’re meeting members where they are and providing care that fits their daily lives,” said GHC-SCW President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Huth. “It’s important to strengthen relationships with local health systems throughout Southern Wisconsin and work together to create the best health care experience possible for patients.”
As we continue to expand our network, the goal remains the same: creating a community-involved, member-centered Cooperative where members feel heard, valued, and can be themselves.
Visit our Clinic and Provider Search Tool to learn more about coverage and services offered at these new locations.
November 14 is World Diabetes Day, a time to come together and learn how we can prevent and manage diabetes as a community. Diabetes is common, but with the right support, you can take charge of your health and live well.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes means your body has trouble managing blood sugar. If not controlled, it can lead to problems with your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. The good news? Many complications can be prevented with healthy habits and regular checkups.
How Can You Lower Your Risk?
- Eat healthy foods: Choose more fruits, veggies and whole grains.
- Move your body: Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days—walking counts!
- Maintain a healthy weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Get screened: Regular checkups can catch diabetes early, when it’s easiest to manage.
Do You Already Have Diabetes?
You’re not alone! GHC-SCW’s diabetes team is here to help you with:
- Easy-to-use tools to check your blood sugar, including fingersticks and sensors you wear on your skin.
- Recommending medications that may not only control blood sugar but also protect your heart and kidneys.
- Support from dietitians, diabetes nurse specialists and clinical pharmacists who listen and help you set goals that fit your life.
- Making sure you are getting proper preventive care – eye visits, dental visits, immunizations and foot checks.
Let’s Work Together!
Managing diabetes is a team effort. GHC-SCW’s diabetes team will help you make a plan that works for you, answer your questions and celebrate your progress one step at a time.
Take Action Today:
- Ask about a diabetes screening at your next visit.
- Join our spring or fall diabetes boot camps. Email Quality Management at QManagement@ghcscw.com to inquire about the next session.
- Reach out if you have questions or need support. Call your GHC-SCW clinic at (608) 257-9700 or send a MyChart message to ask your primary care provider to refer you to GHC-SCW’s diabetes team.
On World Diabetes Day, let’s take small steps for a healthier future—together!
Learn more: Diabetes: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us notice a shift in our mood and energy levels. While it’s common to associate these changes with the arrival of autumn and the approach of winter, there’s more to it than just the changing seasons. Daylight Saving Time (DST) ending can play a significant role in our mental health, particularly for those susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between the end of DST and the onset of SAD, offering insights into how you can manage these “fall back blues.”
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder, often referred to as SAD, is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, typically during the fall and winter months. While it can affect anyone, SAD is more prevalent in regions with distinct seasonal changes and reduced daylight hours. Symptoms of SAD may include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
- Increased fatigue and difficulty sleeping.
- Changes in appetite, particularly a craving for carbs.
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
- Social withdrawal and irritability.
The Role of Daylight-Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice in which the clocks are set forward by one hour during the summer months and then set back by one hour in the fall. This shift in time can disrupt our circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock, and sleep patterns. For many individuals, especially those prone to SAD, the end of DST can be a trigger for depressive symptoms.
Decreased Daylight: With the end of DST, we experience an abrupt reduction in available daylight hours. Less exposure to natural light can contribute to feelings of lethargy and sadness.
Altered Sleep Patterns: The time change can disrupt our sleep routines, leading to sleep disturbances. Poor sleep quality and irregular sleep patterns are associated with increased depressive symptoms.
Biological Impact: The reduced exposure to sunlight can affect the production of important neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin, both of which play a role in mood regulation and sleep.
Managing the Fall-Back Blues
If you find yourself susceptible to the fall-back blues, there are several strategies you can employ to help mitigate the impact of DST ending on your mental health:
Light Therapy: Light therapy, or phototherapy, involves exposing yourself to a bright light that mimics natural sunlight. This can help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve mood.
Maintain a Routine: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even after the time change. Prioritize good sleep hygiene practices to ensure quality rest:
- Create a consistent bedtime/wakeup time where possible
- Keep a comfortable bedroom and a cooler ambient temperature
- Avoid backlit screens (phone, tablet, television) for at least 1 hour before bed
- Avoid rigorous exercise in the 1-2 hours before bed
- Avoid eating or drinking in 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Spend the last hour before bed in a dimly lit space doing a quiet and relaxing activity (reading a book)
- Consider listening to calming music or white noise
Stay Active: Regular physical activity can boost your mood and alleviate depressive symptoms. Consider exercising outdoors during daylight hours.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if you’re struggling with SAD. Therapy and, in some cases, medication can be effective treatments.
Mindful Practices: Engage in mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, to reduce stress and anxiety.
The end of Daylight-Saving Time can be a challenging period for those susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder. However, by understanding the connection between the two and implementing proactive strategies, you can better manage your mental health during this transition. Remember that seeking professional help is a valid and valuable option if you find yourself struggling with the fall-back blues.
What is Tdap?
The Tdap vaccine protects against three serious diseases:
- Tetanus (lockjaw) – Causes painful muscle stiffness and can be deadly.
- Diphtheria – A dangerous throat infection that can lead to breathing problems and heart failure.
- Pertussis (whooping cough) – A highly contagious cough that can cause severe illnesses, especially in babies
Diphtheria and Pertussis are both spread from person to person through infectious droplets in the air, by coughing or sneezing. Tetanus, however, is not contagious and can’t be spread from person to person. People can get tetanus from infections of cuts or open wounds when soil, dust or feces enter the body through the broken skin. Most often this happens with injuries such as puncture wounds, crush injuries, burns or animal bites.
Why Should You Get the Tdap Vaccine?
Not only does the vaccine protect you, but it also protects those around you, such as babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated. Getting the vaccine also reduces the spread of disease in your community. This vaccine may also be required or recommended for school, work or if you’re pregnant.
The Tdap vaccine is very safe! Side effects are usually mild, such as a sore arm or low fever, and they go away quickly.
Who Should Get the Tdap Vaccine
The Tdap vaccine is recommended for:
- Adolescents around age 11 or 12
- Pregnant women during each of their pregnancies (typically between 27 and 36 weeks)
- Any adults who are around infants or haven’t had a booster in 10 or more years
- Health care workers and caregivers
When Should You Get It?
Everyone should get the vaccine once, either as a teen or an adult. A Td or Tdap booster should then be done every 10 years. Pregnant women should also get the vaccine during each pregnancy to protect their babies from whooping cough. If you’re unsure of your vaccination history, don’t hesitate to get this vaccine anytime! It’s safe to catch up on vaccinations and create a new routine.
Talk with your health care provider today about getting your Tdap vaccine! Protect yourself and those around you from preventable illnesses.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With Breast Cancer being the second most common cancer among women, this is a time to spread awareness, show support for those affected and honor the memory of those we have lost.
Did you know that one in eight women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in their lifetime? The good news is that when caught early, while still confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate in the U.S. is 99%. Mammograms are essential for early detection and saving lives.
What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a standard method for finding breast lumps or tumors. Breast tissue is usually denser than other body tissues, so it’s harder to find a lump simply through touch. During the mammogram, low-dose X-rays pass through the breast tissue, creating an image of the inside of the breast.
All screenings at GHC-SCW are 3D mammograms. These are newer technologies that use multiple low-dose X-ray images from different angles. They create a picture that lets the Radiologist view the breast tissue in thin “slices.”
There are two types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. Screenings are your routine checkups when you don’t have any symptoms. These routine checkups help detect any cancer cells before you can feel a lump or notice changes. Diagnostic mammograms are suggested if you have any symptoms (like a lump, nipple discharge or pain) or if something looked unusual on a screening mammogram. In these mammograms, they would take more images from different angles.
Who Should Get Mammograms and When?
The recommended age to begin regular screenings is 40, with earlier screenings recommended for high-risk individuals. Some of these high risks include genetic mutations, family history and having dense breasts. Recommendations may vary; always talk with your provider to find the best plan for you. Mammograms are typically done every 1 to 2 years, depending on age and risk.
Things to Know Before Your Screening
Mammograms are quick, safe and could save your life. Here at GHC-SCW, we aim to make the process as comfortable and painless as possible and walk you through every step.
You’ll undress in private and get a gown to wear. The technologist will place your breast on the machine. The plastic plate is lowered to compress your breast for about 10 to 15 seconds during the X-ray. This may feel uncomfortable, but the screening doesn’t last long.
For both 2D and 3D mammograms, your breast will be adjusted before the next image is taken. The standard number of images is four, but more images may be needed for a complete exam.
For a 3D mammogram, the procedure is similar to having a 2D mammogram. The main difference is that the X-ray arm sweeps in an arc over your breasts.
The entire procedure should take approximately 20 minutes.
Preparing For Your Mammogram
On the day of your mammogram, remember not to use deodorant, lotions or body creams. These sometimes cause images to be misinterpreted.
Schedule Your Screening Through GHCMyChart
Schedule your breast cancer screening today by logging into your GHCMyChartSM account. All mammograms take place at our Hatchery Hill Clinic in Fitchburg. If you receive your care at a clinic outside of GHC-SCW, your GHCMyChartSM account will prompt you to call to schedule your appointment.
GHC-SCW has made it easy to make an appointment to receive this potentially life-changing checkup. If you are eligible for a screening and receive care at a GHC-SCW primary care clinic, follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: Log in to your GHCMyChartSM account
Step 2: Select “Schedule an Appointment”
Step 3: Select “Mammogram Screening”
Step 4: Answer a few questions and select the time that works best for you
For More Information and Resources:
Immunization and surveillance programs have continuously lowered the risk of widespread measles outbreaks in the US. However, measles cases continue to occur due to unvaccinated travelers who get measles while visiting other countries, and in the under-vaccinated populations in the United States. The best way to stay ahead and prevent measles is to get vaccinated.
CDC has put together a toolkit called Be Ready for Measles, full of educational graphics, videos and fact sheets for health departments around the Nation. Here at GHC-SCW, we understand how important it is to be prepared for outbreaks and to keep our community healthy, so we’ve put together helpful information from the toolkit below.
What is Measles?
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes. After someone sick with measles leaves an area, the virus can remain airborne for two hours. About 9 out of 10 people who don’t have measles vaccines and come in contact with someone who is sick will also become infected. This disease is especially dangerous for babies and young children.
Do you think your child has Measles?
What to do if you think your child has Measles:
Measles symptoms typically show up 7-14 days after coming in contact with the virus. The most common symptoms include:
- High fever, spiking to over 104
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and/or watery eyes
- A rash on the face that breaks out 3-5 days after other symptoms begin
If you think someone in your family has measles, make sure you:
- Keep them away from others who aren’t sick. Have the person who is sick stay in one room/section of the house.
- Everyone who lives in the house should stay home to prevent the spread to those in the community.
- Call a doctor or hospital right away and let them know someone in the home possibly has the measles. Please do not take them in right away; the doctor will give information/instructions on what to do next.
Remember, do not come into the clinics if you are sick. Stay home unless the sickness rapidly gets worse, or the following symptoms occur:
- Trouble breathing or breathing gets faster than normal
- Pain when breathing or coughing
- Dehydration, including a dry nose and mouth, using the bathroom less frequently and crying without tears coming out
- Fever or headache that won’t go away
- Confusion or severe weakness
- Low energy, difficulty feeding/eating or a blue color is seen around the mouth
If these symptoms occur, do not wait; take your child to the emergency room.
How do you protect your family against measles?
It is never too late to get vaccinated! The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to stay protected against the measles. Not only does it protect you and your family, but it also keeps the people around you and your community healthy.
Talk with your provider if you or your child has not been vaccinated.
Learn more – CDC Measles Information, Tip Sheets and videos:
About Measles | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC
Preventing Measles Before and After Travel
Measles: It Isn’t Just a Little Rash
Why Are Girls 3x More Likely to Be Vaccinated Than Boys? Did you know HPV causes nearly 36,000 cases of cancer in the U.S. each year, and most of them could be prevented by a vaccine?
In 2006, the HPV vaccine was originally marketed to girls to prevent cervical cancer, but HPV causes cancer in all genders. Here at GHC-SCW, we want to spread awareness that the HPV vaccine isn’t just for girls. Boys need it too.
It’s safe. It’s effective. It could save a life.
What is HPV?
In the early 1980s, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) was found in cervical cancer cells, which sparked research and the eventual development of a vaccine. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact. There are about 40 different strains, or types, of HPV, and roughly 80% of sexually active people will come into contact with the virus at some point.
Most people with healthy immune systems can fight off the infection, but in some cases, it can become cancerous.
Vaccine History
The first HPV vaccine was patented in 1994, targeting four types of the virus. In 2006, the vaccine was approved by the FDA for girls ages 9 through 26. Today, we know that boys can also be affected by HPV, and they should be proactive in getting vaccinated too.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the HPV vaccine available today protects against 90% of the strains that cause cervical cancer, anal cancer and genital warts, as well as most strains that cause mouth and throat cancers.
Why Should Boys Get the HPV Vaccine Too?
While about 22,000 women are diagnosed with cancer caused by HPV each year, approximately 16,000 men are diagnosed with HPV-related cancers as well. The vaccine offers powerful protection before exposure and helps prevent cancers that can develop years later.
Protecting boys helps protect everyone.
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: HPV only affects girls, and girls only get cervical cancer, so boys don’t need the vaccine.
Fact: HPV affects everyone. While boys don’t get cervical cancer, HPV can still cause multiple cancers in males. Vaccinating them helps protect their health and reduces transmission to future partners.
Myth: The HPV vaccine is only for those who are sexually active.
Fact: The vaccine works best when given before any potential exposure to the virus. GHC-SCW recommends boys and girls as young as 9 receive the vaccine, well before most are sexually active. GHC-SCW encourages families and providers to have conversations early to make a plan.
Myth: The HPV Vaccine isn’t safe.
Fact: The HPV vaccine has been studied for over 15 years by the CDC, FDA and other organizations, and has a strong safety record. Like any vaccine, it may cause mild side effects like arm soreness, low-grade fever or feeling tired, but serious side effects are extremely rare.
Talk to your child’s Provider about getting them protected.
Learn more:
History of HPV Vaccine – National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC)