Alameda Health System (AHS) is expanding access by making care more flexible and responsive to patients’ needs. On March 10, AHS launched MyChart direct scheduling for Eastmont Wellness Center’s (EWC) adult medicine clinic, giving patients greater control over when and how they connect to care while helping the clinic operate more efficiently.
“When patients can schedule visits at a time that works for them, it strengthens engagement and keeps them connected to care,” said Sarah Rahman, MD, associate chief medical informatics officer (ACMIO).
Patients can now view real-time availability, including cancellations, and schedule routine visits directly through MyChart. Previously, appointments required calling the clinic, often with long hold times.
With direct scheduling, visits can be booked in just a few clicks at any time of day, helping patients connect to care more easily while reducing call volume and improving staff efficiency.
The rollout was championed by Jessica Wang, MD, medical director of Eastmont Wellness, in partnership with Rahman and Epic team members Monica Law, senior electronic health record (EHR) applications analyst, and Mimi Walker, senior EHR applications analyst.
“Easy access to care is foundational to high-quality primary care,” said Wang.
The team streamlined workflows to ensure the tool supports both patients and frontline staff, creating a reliable process designed to perform consistently and evolve over time.
MyChart has been central to this effort since AHS went live with Epic in 2019. Pediatrics became the first department to implement direct scheduling in May 2024 under the leadership of Pamela Simms-Mackey, MD, chair of pediatrics and chief of graduate medical education.
“This is an exciting project that allows the patient more autonomy and partnership in health care planning,”
said Simms-Mackey.
AHS later expanded the tools through the Epic Level Up Program, introducing direct scheduling in cardiology and optometry in July 2025. With this feature, patients can see provider and appointment availability in real time, schedule visits online, and take advantage of cancellations for earlier openings, while clinic staff can more easily track and manage schedule changes.
“We have learned with every expansion and continue refining the system to support both patients and care teams,” said Walker.
EWC’s adult medicine clinic is the first adult primary care clinic at AHS to implement direct scheduling, following planning that began in fall 2025 and strong support from clinic leadership.
“MyChart has always been about fulfilling our commitment to patients,” said Rahman. “Making it easier to manage appointments advances that mission in a meaningful way.”
Adult medicine patients at EWC must have an active MyChart account to use direct scheduling. Those without one can visit the MyChart page on the AHS website to register.