If your organization uses Epic, you're likely aware of the numerous changes and updates over the past year, from program modifications such as the Gold Stars initiative to advancements in AI, paving the way for ongoing technological evolution in healthcare. In this blog post, we highlight key Epic trends and announcements that our BDO Epic practice is monitoring closely.
AI Projects Signal the Rapidly Evolving Landscape of Care Capabilities
Epic's investment in AI is transforming healthcare is front and center as evidenced by their over 100 projects in development. While many organizations are piloting or rolling out Epic’s initial functionality related to Ambient Listening and Automated In-Basket Replies, new functionality designed to enhance provider and patient experiences is fast approaching. Clinically, future tools, such as Chart Summarization and Queued Orders endeavor to continue the battle against physician burnout and the ever-growing size of patient charts to make relevant data more accessible at the point of care. Operationally, there is effort to help simplify labor intensive processes such as prior authorizations and denials by identifying documentation issues and contesting claim denials.
Gold Stars Overhaul and New Criteria for Healthcare Organizations
Epic's Gold Stars program, a catalyst for adopting its latest features, now requires stricter alignment with Epic's evolving expectations. Organizations must go beyond mere implementation to earn credit, as new criteria could retroactively affect Gold Star scores and financial standings related to the Honor Roll. This shift has prompted efforts to adapt to both immediate and long-term changes, emphasizing the need for integrating new functionalities with meaningful education and leadership to ensure effective technology use.
Dashboards Delivering Real-Time Data for Decision-Making
Epic's Enterprise Overview dashboard empowers leaders by integrating Epic KPIs with external data, offering insights into performance and supporting key decisions like expansion and capacity planning. Users can drill down into specific areas of their organizations or take a macro view by benchmarking against other Epic customers. Leaders will also be able to configure KPI thresholds and alerts for operational changes, identifying trends early before they become problems. Epic also provides stronger tools for analyzing capacity with Patient Flow, optimizing staff deployment using historical and current data and Cosmos-powered reports to help predict discharge times, and work to ensure timely discharges and reducing length of stay.
Garden Plot Expansion to Support More Specialties
Epic's Garden Plot, designed for the nearly 50% of U.S. providers in independent medical groups who can't afford a traditional Epic installation or lack a Community Connect partner, is expanding beyond primary care to include more specialties. As a true Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, Epic handles hosting, configuration, and support, offering a standardized service that includes popular third-party content like SureScripts, IMO, and tools such as Cosmos and Healthy Planet.
Efficiency, Collaboration and Growth with New Cosmos Features and TEFCA Transition
Since its introduction in 2022, Epic's Cosmos database has grown exponentially, now encompassing data for 277 million patients. This vast repository enhances patient care and equips providers with insights for data-driven decision-making. New features like Cosmos Look-Alikes enable provider collaboration, while Cosmos Best Care Choices offers decision support based on similar cases and successful treatments. Expanding on collaboration, many of Epic's customers have already transitioned to the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), Epic plans to complete this transition by the end of 2025, enhancing interoperability and collaboration across the industry. Additionally, Epic’s expanded free APIs support USCDI v3, allowing healthcare apps to access comprehensive patient data for personalized care.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, Epic's advancements in AI, data integration, and collaboration are set to continue driving progress in healthcare by enhancing patient care and improving efficiency.
Want to better understand how these innovations can benefit your organization? Contact us today to discuss your specific needs.