Health System Deploys Support Service for Epic EHR Usability

Emory Healthcare in Georgia has announced a collaboration with health IT vendor Experis Health Solutions to support Epic EHR usability.

The strategic partnership aims to improve the digital capabilities of Emory healthcare providers and streamline clinical workflows through a virtual support service.

The at-the-elbow tool will provide comprehensive, real-time support to providers as they work within the Epic EHR to advance digital fluency with the system.  

"We're thrilled to work with Experis to further elevate the proficiency of our staff in utilizing Epic," Alistair Erskine, MD, chief information and digital officer of Emory Digital, a new division of Emory Healthcare, said in a press release.

"This collaboration represents a key step forward in our commitment to offering the best possible care for our patients by equipping our providers with real-time, in-the-moment expert support," he added.

The relationship is set to provide Epic end-users with expert assistance to enhance patient care and EHR usability.

Emory Healthcare deployed its Epic EHR on October 1, 2022.

"What excites us most about this transition to a fully integrated, unified clinical and billing system are the benefits to our patients, care team members, and clinicians," Dane Peterson, interim CEO and current president and COO of Emory Healthcare, said in a press release at the time of the announcement.

"We believe having all of our entities on one integrated platform will bring great value," Peterson added. "Consistent with our Care Transformation Model, patients remain at the center of all of our decisions."

The EHR implementation has granted Emory patients access to the MyChart patient portal, where they can access their personal health information, sign consent forms, and complete pre-appointment questionnaires. Patients can also update insurance information, addresses, phone numbers, and medications through the portal.

"While the move to Epic represents a significant change, the long-term benefits of a unified billing and clinical system across the enterprise and improved integration are substantial," said Sheila Sanders, chief information officer for Emory Healthcare. "Epic is a leading developer of comprehensive healthcare software and is used by numerous academic medical centers around the world."