Achieving Epic Gold Stars for Superior Healthcare Performance

In the realm of healthcare, optimizing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is more than just a technical upgrade; it is a strategic imperative that can significantly enhance quality of care, patient and provider satisfaction, and financial performance. For organizations utilizing Epic, the Epic Gold Stars Program   offers a structured pathway to achieve these improvements. Here’s why Epic Gold Stars are crucial and five key steps to achieve them.

Why Epic Gold Stars Matter

• Improved Patient and Provider Satisfaction: Achieving higher levels in the Epic Gold Stars Program can lead to better patient and provider satisfaction scores. This not only enhances the overall experience but also increases brand recognition, making the organization more attractive to both patients and healthcare professionals.
• HIMSS Stage 7: The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Stage 7 represents the pinnacle of EHR adoption. Organizations that excel in the Epic Gold Stars Program are often well-positioned to achieve HIMSS Stage 7, showcasing their commitment to leveraging technology for superior healthcare delivery.
• Vendor Financial Incentives: Epic offers financial incentives through programs like the Epic Honor Roll  . These incentives can provide substantial financial benefits, making the investment in achieving higher Gold Star levels even more worthwhile.
• Additional Revenue from Efficiencies: Optimizing your Epic system can lead to increased patient access and improved patient experience. Additional staffing benefits can be derived from automation, such as role changes and decreased attrition. These efficiencies translate into additional revenue, as more streamlined operations allow for better resource allocation and reduced operational costs.
• Quality Metrics Improvements: Higher Gold Star levels are often associated with improvements in quality metrics, such as a decrease in Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HACs) and a reduction in Length of Stay (LOS). These improvements not only enhance patient outcomes but also contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare organization.
• Epic System Performance Improvements: A well-optimized Epic system performs better, reducing the complexity of integration challenges and facilitating a smoother healthcare delivery process. This leads to fewer disruptions and a more seamless experience for both providers and patients.
  
  
  

5 Steps to Achieve Epic Gold Stars Improvements

Step 1: Discovery

The first step is to understand the current state of your Epic system and identify opportunities for enhancement. This involves a thorough review of policies and procedures, conducting interviews with clinicians to understand their challenges and desired use, and reviewing the current setup of the Epic system.

Step 2: Strategic Planning

Craft a tailored plan to achieve specific Epic optimization goals. This includes providing guidance on areas of opportunity to increase efficiencies and recommending re-configuration, such as workflow changes and configuration adjustments.

Step 3: Implementation

Execute the strategic plan with precision and attention to detail. This involves making the necessary changes to the Epic system, streamlining clinical documentation, and reducing the prevalence of open encounters and charge lag time.

Step 4: Measure of Success

Evaluate the impact of the changes to ensure they meet the set objectives. This includes performing a gap analysis to compare current use with best practices and measuring improvements in patient access, clinical workflow, and revenue cycle management.

Step 5: Sustainability

Enable long-term success and continuous improvement of the Epic system. This involves maintaining up-to-date Epic certifications, fostering ongoing relationships with Epic, and continuously refining the Epic system to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Achieving higher levels in the Epic Gold Stars Program is not just about meeting a set of criteria; it’s about transforming your healthcare organization to deliver better care, enhance satisfaction, and achieve financial sustainability. By following these five key steps—Discovery, Strategic Planning, Implementation, Measure of Success, and Sustainability—healthcare organizations can realize the full value of their Epic systems and the full potential of their investment. 

Ready to elevate your healthcare performance with Epic Gold Stars? Contact us today to get started.