Epic EHR Implementation to Boost Interoperability at for IL System

Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI) has announced an Epic EHR implementation for improved interoperability and care coordination.

The Epic EHR implementation will connect IBJI practices through a common integrated platform for streamlined patient care across the orthopedic health system. This will ensure providers have access to up-to-date patient health information for proper care coordination.

The implementation is also set to help IBJI providers optimize clinical workflows through standard clinical documentation practices.

"The move to Epic allows us to keep patient care at the front and center of what we do," Andre Blom, IBJI Chief Executive Officer, said in a public statement. "It will allow better visibility for our providers into a patient's medical history, as well as enhance patients' ability to stay more connected and in control of their own healthcare."

Additionally, interoperability across the health system is set to reduce time spent in waiting rooms filling out paperwork for an improved patient experience.

The implementation will also boost the patient experience by granting IBJI patients access to Epic's patient portal, MyChart, which allows patients to access their personal health information.

Through MyChart, patients can view their medical records and imaging results, schedule appointments, pay bills, communicate with their care team, and request prescription refills. 

In addition, patients’ orthopedic records from IBJI can easily be shared with other hospitals and healthcare facilities that use Epic EHRs.

The transition begins on July 12 in many of IBJI's clinics. The rollout will continue across IBJI’s system through the end of 2021.

According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nationwide EHR survey, EHR use among orthopedic surgeons is widespread, with 93.2 percent of practices utilizing the health IT.

However, a recent KLAS survey found that EHR satisfaction rates among specialty providers, especially orthopedic clinicians, are low.

On a 100-point scale, cardiology respondents reported a 1.6 satisfaction score, and plastic surgery respondents reported a 2.1. Orthopedic respondents reported the only negative satisfaction score (-3.2).

These ratings are extremely low, especially when compared to non-specialty providers. Hospital medicine providers reported a 36.5 satisfaction score, pathologists reported a 24.3, and pediatrics respondents reported a 24.

EHRs are one of the top drivers of clinician burnout, especially among specialists who might require different EHR functions due to the specific nature of their fields. Health IT experts have noted that this difference should reflect in specialist EHR implementation and optimization.