Epic Systems
Epic is a top-rate medical software company that provides multiple utilities for medical practicioners in one patient-centric database. The databases houses all computer physician order entry, medical records, scheduling software, and practice management applications. Epic, based in Verona, Wisconsin, services claims 175 customers as of 2009. KLAS has consistently rated Epic as one of the top healthcare IT companies in the world. In 2008, Epic was rated the #1 overall vendor and multiple other #1 ratings [1].
HISTORY
In 1979 Judy Faulker and other programmers founded Human Services Computing, Inc. which later became Epic. This system was the commercialization of a clinical records system that they had built for The Univesity of Wisconsin-Madison. This system called Chronicle was written in the MUMPS language and was a patient-centric enterprise system designed to manage inpatient, ambulatory, and payment information. Throughout the 1980's the company largely focused on billing and inventory tracking systems. However, in 1992, Epic released the first Windows-based EMR called EpicCare [2].
While it is a highly regarded EMR system, Epic Systems also garnered an unwanted amount of notoriety as a result of an engagement with Kaiser Permanente (KP) to develop and rollout KP's HealthConnect system. HealthConnect is a comprehensive EMR system that Epic Systems developed that empowers health care providers and patients alike. However, in November 2006 a project manager for KP raised a huge red flag by sending an alarming email that described projected losses of up to $7 billion dollars resulting from the HealthConnect implementation.(4) A publicity firestorm ensued for KP. In the end, though, HealthConnect has proven to be a successful system; KP recently received 12 awards from HIMSS Analytics for achieving the highest levels of EMR implementation.(5) Patients have also been pleased with the system which enables them to be more involved in the management of their own health issues.
SOFTWARE DETAILS
Epic uses a MUMPS/Cache database to offer an integrated software system [5]. This system is based on the interaction of multiple modules communicating with one another. The EMRS are the ambulatory system known as the Epicare EMR and the Epicare Inpatient Clinical System. These systems interact with department specific modules such as the ASAP Emergency Department System, Willow Inpatient Pharmacy, Radiant Radiology Information System, OpTime Operating Room Management System, and the Epic Anesthesia Information Management System. In addition, it interacts with practice management software that handles registration, scheduling, billing, and call management. Specialty specific modules also exist including Beacon for Oncology practices, Cardiant for Cardiovascular services, Kaleidoscope for Ophthalmology, Phoenix for Transplant services, and Stork for Obstetric services [1].
These systems offer clinical decision support services and computer physician order entry. In addition, Epic also inspired the development of clinical trial applications such as CTA (Clinical Trial Alert), at the University of Cincinnati, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio, using Epic's CDSS.
References
[1] www.epic.com
[2] http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Epic-Systems-Corporation-Company-History.html
[3] Robeznieks, A. November 11, 2006. Kaiser Permanente project manager discusses notorious e-mail. http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20061109/FREE/61109011
[4] HIMSS Analytics. (March 2009). HIMSS Analytics Stage 7 Award – Paperless and Proud of IT! http://www.himssanalytics.org/hc_providers/stage7Award.asp.
