Epic EHR

Epic is a cloud-based EHR solution catering to a number of specialties. Epic is in use across a broad range of practices, from community hospitals and independent practices to multi-specialty hospital groups and hospice care providers.

It offers the standard range of ‘core’ EHR features, and practices can add modules depending on specialty. Epic has a strong focus on patient engagement and facilitating remote care. Epic EHR features include an extensive patient portal, available as a native app for both Android and iOS operating systems, as well as numerous telehealth options - from supporting video visits and post-surgical follow-ups to patient monitoring features.

How Epic uses AI to improve healthcare efficiency

Epic is integrating AI into its healthcare system to enhance patient care and streamline workflows. The company's approach focuses on embedding AI tools directly into clinical workflows to improve decision-making without disrupting care.

Epic’s AI efforts include predictive analytics for patient outcomes, operational efficiency and personalized treatment recommendations. The aim is to make AI easily accessible to healthcare providers by utilizing real-time data, enhancing accuracy and simplifying use for clinicians, all while maintaining Epic's focus on patient-centered care.

List of key Epic EHR modules

Epic's EHR system is known for its comprehensive modules catering to various healthcare specialties and functions. Here is an overview:

• EpicCare Ambulatory: Manages outpatient clinic visits, documentation, and order entries.
• ASAP: Focused on emergency department management, offering tools for triage and patient flow.
• OpTime: Supports surgical scheduling, pre-op, intra-op, and post-op processes.
• Stork: Designed for obstetric care, managing pregnancy and delivery documentation.
• Radiant: Manages radiology workflows, including imaging and reporting.
• Beacon: Tailored for oncology care, including treatment plans and chemotherapy administration.
• Willow: Pharmacy management module for both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• MyChart: A patient portal for accessing health records, scheduling appointments, and communicating with providers.
• Healthy Planet: Focuses on population health management and analytics.
• Cadence: Handles scheduling, registration, and patient check-ins.
• Beaker: Laboratory information management system for specimen tracking and testing.
• Wisdom: Supports dental care workflows, including treatment planning and scheduling.
• Phoenix: Manages transplant patient care, from evaluation to post-operative follow-up.
• Haiku and Canto: Mobile applications for providers to access patient records and manage care on-the-go

Epic also emphasizes interoperability and easy integration with third-party systems. More Epic physicians have attested to Meaningful Use Stage 2 than users of any other system, and records can be shared with any EHR that uses these standards. Epic‘s open API - aims to facilitate integration with third-party software and apps.

Epic EHR is cloud-based, so available on any device with an internet browser installed. Native apps are available for iOS and Android operating systems.

Frequently asked questions about Epic health systems

What is Epic software?

Epic software is the suite of EHR systems and other healthcare software developed by Epic Systems.

Epic EHR itself is an electronic health records system for hospitals and large practices. Its Epic charting system includes features such as medical templates, patient history, and referrals so that healthcare providers can deliver the best patient care. The Epic EHR database system includes patient records as well as reporting and analytics functionality in its feature set.

Is Epic an EHR or EMR?

Epic is a cloud-based EHR built for hospitals with the functionality to handle the day-to-day operations of a practice, including patient medical records. An EMR (electronic medical records) system is responsible for medical records alone, Epic medical records are available in the Epic EHR system. 

Is Epic the same as MyChart?

No, Epic is the healthcare software company that develops various electronic health record (EHR) solutions, including MyChart. MyChart is Epic's patient portal that allows patients to access their health information, schedule appointments and communicate with providers.

Is Epic software hard to learn?

Learning the Epic system can be challenging due to its complexity and the learning curve associated with healthcare software. Based on insights from healthcare professionals, IT workers, and nurses, here are some common challenges and how to address them:

• Complexity and customization:
  Epic is highly customizable, which means each hospital or clinic has a unique setup. This requires users to adapt to specific workflows, making standard training difficult but manageable with tailored sessions.
• Extensive features:
  The system has numerous modules catering to different healthcare needs, and mastering just one can feel overwhelming. Focusing on role-specific training can help users manage their learning curve.
• Interface and navigation:
  Some healthcare professionals note that Epic’s interface can initially feel unintuitive, but with practice and shortcuts, users become more comfortable. Supportive training and gradual exposure to advanced features can ease this transition.

Software features

• Appointment Management
• Billing Management
• Clinical Workflow
• Document Management
• Insurance and Claims
• Lab Integration
• Medical Templates
• Patient Demographics
• Patient History
• Patient Portal
• Referrals
• Reporting and Analytics
• Scheduling
• Voice Recognition
• e-Prescription

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