10 Massachusetts FQHCs Go Live on CTC Instance of Epic EHR System

Community Technology Cooperative (CTC) has transitioned ten federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Massachusetts to Epic EHR systems after a year-long implementation phase.

CTC is a subsidiary of Community Care Cooperative (C3), a non-profit organization created and governed by FQHCs to transform the health and wellness of under-resourced communities.

"The populations we serve were hit the hardest by the effects of COVID, so as we recover from the pandemic, we want to ensure we continue to provide our patients with the highest quality of care," Ellen LaPointe, president and CEO of Fenway Health, one of the newly converted health centers, and board chair of CTC, said in a press release. "Epic is the system that will allow us to do that."

While CTC and the health centers will support operating costs for the EHR, the Legislature designated $5M of Massachusetts's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to cover some implementation costs.

"Making investments in health centers means making investments in community health," said Rep. Michael Moran (D-Boston). "We are excited to see the opportunities that Epic and its integrated system will bring to our communities of the Commonwealth."

Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro) noted that ensuring communities most impacted by COVID-19 benefitted from American Rescue Plan dollars was paramount for the Legislature.

"Community health centers have stood out as champions in their response to the public health emergency and reached those most in need," he said. "I'm happy to see these funds invested in upgrades and enhancements that will allow community health centers to continue their impactful care and service."

CTC also leveraged a grant through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to make EHR improvements at community health centers for the project.

"By bringing patients, providers, and community partners together in an integrated system, these ten health centers are advancing important work to improve health equity across the Commonwealth," said Judy Faulkner, founder and CEO of Epic.

As the converted health centers enter the post-go-live phase, CTC will help ensure proper usage and optimization of Epic.

The new system will support their collection of over 1.5 million clinical visits per year, including behavioral health, dental and eye care, and essential social services. Two additional MA FQHCs will implement CTC's instance of Epic in 2023.