Epic: How a company you never heard of handles your medical records

Summary

Epic, a medical software company based in Verona, Wisconsin, has revolutionized electronic health records in the United States, handling the private medical records of approximately 60% of patients nationwide. Founded by computer software engineer Judy Faulkner, Epic has transformed from a small startup in 1979 to a tech giant that impacts millions of lives. The company's innovative system allows for easy access to medical records, enabling patients to check test results, refill medications, and make appointments through an app. Epic's software is now integral to patient care in nearly every major US health system, improving efficiency and data management. Despite concerns about data entry and patient privacy, Epic continues to develop solutions, including voice-activated record systems, to streamline medical processes and ensure secure handling of sensitive information.

Takeaways

• 🏥 Electronic medical records are becoming increasingly prevalent, with Epic software handling the private medical records of about 60% of patients in the United States.
• 🌲 Epic's headquarters is located in Verona, Wisconsin, and is known for its unique and imaginative workspaces, including old railway cars, subway cars, tree houses, and gingerbread houses.
• 👵 Judy Faulkner, the 76-year-old founder of Epic, is a computer software engineer who has built the company into a major player in the healthcare technology sector without extensive advertising or press releases.
• 💡 Epic's goal since its inception in 1979 was to digitize patient records, making them accessible electronically with the click of a mouse, revolutionizing the way medical information is managed and shared.
• 🚀 Epic competes with tech giants like Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Apple, and has a strong focus on creating a positive impact on people's health and well-being through its software solutions.
• 🎉 The company has grown significantly from its humble beginnings in a basement to now employing nearly 10,000 employees, with an average age of about 26.
• 📱 The Epic app allows patients to access their lab results, refill medications, make appointments, and even share their medical records directly from their smartphones.
• 🏥 Epic's software is integral to patient care in nearly every major US health system, enabling medical records to follow patients wherever they seek treatment.
• 🔒 Privacy concerns are addressed by Epic, with the understanding that while computerization is not a perfect solution, it is likely safer than traditional paper record-keeping methods.
• 💬 Epic is working on future solutions that may involve voice-activated systems, potentially allowing doctors to interact with medical records and documentation through commands similar to those used with smart home devices like Alexa.

Q & A

What is the primary function of Epic's software?

Epic's software is designed to handle the private medical records of patients, making them accessible electronically and improving patient care through digital record-keeping.

What percentage of patients in the United States does Epic's software serve?

Epic's software handles the medical records of about 60% of the patients in the United States.

Where is the headquarters of Epic located?

The headquarters of Epic is located in Verona, Wisconsin, just outside Madison.

Who is the founder of Epic and how has she contributed to the company's success?

Judy Faulkner is the 76-year-old founder of Epic. She is a computer software engineer who built the company from the ground up, making it one of the leading tech companies in the healthcare sector and making herself one of the richest self-made women in the world.

What was the initial goal of Epic when it was founded in 1979?

The initial goal of Epic was to move patient records from physical, overstuffed folders to digital records that could be accessed with a click of a mouse.

How has Epic's system impacted patient care in the US healthcare system?

Epic's system has become integral to patient care in nearly every major US health system, allowing for easy access to medical records, improved communication between healthcare providers, and enhanced patient experience through features like checking lab results and refilling medications via an app.

What are some of the privacy concerns related to electronic medical records?

Privacy concerns include the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive patient information and the risk of data breaches. However, proponents argue that computerization is likely safer than physical records, which can be easily mishandled or accessed without authorization.

How does Epic address the concern of doctors spending too much time entering data?

Epic is working on solutions to streamline data entry and reduce the burden on doctors. One potential development is a voice-activated system similar to a medical records version of Alexa, which would allow doctors to verbally request and input patient information.

What is Epic's stance on data storage in relation to privacy concerns?

Epic does not store the data from its software; instead, it provides the technology for healthcare providers to securely manage and access patient records, addressing some of the concerns related to data privacy.

How has Epic's unique company culture contributed to its success?

Epic's company culture, which includes a creative and unconventional workspace, has attracted a young and talented workforce. Employees value the impact their work has on healthcare and patient outcomes, which contributes to a motivated and dedicated team.

What is the significance of the Mayo Clinic in relation to Epic?

The Mayo Clinic is the single biggest client of Epic, with plans to spend over a billion dollars over the next several years on integrated systems. This partnership highlights the trust and reliance major healthcare providers place in Epic's technology.

Outlines

00:00

🏥 The Digital Transformation of Medical Records

This paragraph introduces the concept of electronic medical records and highlights the role of Epic, a medical software company, in digitizing patient data. The company, founded by Judy Faulkner, has a significant impact on healthcare, managing the records of approximately 60% of patients in the United States. Despite its influence, Epic remains relatively unknown to the public as it operates behind the scenes without extensive advertising. The unique and creative workspaces at Epic's headquarters in Verona, Wisconsin, set the stage for the company's innovative approach to technology and healthcare. The paragraph also touches on the benefits of digital records, such as easy accessibility and the ability to track patient care across different health systems, and mentions the early beginnings of the company in 1979 with the goal of transitioning from paper-based to digital record-keeping.

05:02

💡 The Evolution of Patient Care and Data Management

This paragraph delves into the evolution of patient care and data management, particularly focusing on the Mayo Clinic's experience with Epic's systems. It discusses the transition from paper records to digital ones, which were once state-of-the-art but have been replaced by more efficient electronic solutions. The Mayo Clinic, as Epic's largest client, plans to invest over a billion dollars in the integrated systems over the coming years. The paragraph also addresses the challenges faced by doctors in adapting to new technology, as they must balance data entry with patient care. Epic is working on a voice-activated system to further streamline the process, allowing doctors to interact with patient records and documentation more efficiently. Privacy concerns are also discussed, with the argument that computerization may actually offer more security than physical records. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the imaginative and innovative culture at Epic, which combines technology with software development to push the boundaries of what is possible in medical record-keeping.

Keywords

💡Electronic Medical Records

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) refer to digital versions of patients' paper charts. EMRs make information accessible and shareable, allowing doctors to access a patient's history, test results, and more with just a few clicks. In the video, it's mentioned that Epic software handles the private medical records of about 60% of patients in the U.S., highlighting the widespread adoption and importance of EMRs in modern healthcare.

💡Epic Systems

Epic Systems is a healthcare software company that specializes in electronic medical records, billing, and other healthcare software. Founded by Judy Faulkner, the company has grown to become a major player in the healthcare technology space, with its software being used by a significant portion of healthcare providers in the U.S. The company's unique culture and innovative approach to software development are highlighted in the video, emphasizing its role in transforming the healthcare industry.

💡Digital Transformation

Digital transformation refers to the process of converting traditional, paper-based processes into digital formats. In the context of the video, this transformation is evident in the shift from physical, hard-to-manage patient records to electronic medical records, which are easier to access, manage, and secure. This change has significantly improved the efficiency and quality of healthcare services, as well as patient outcomes.

💡Healthcare Technology

Healthcare technology encompasses the use of digital tools and systems to manage and deliver healthcare services. The video discusses the impact of Epic Systems in revolutionizing healthcare technology by providing electronic medical records, which streamline patient care and enhance the overall healthcare experience. The development and implementation of such technologies are crucial for improving healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.

💡Data Privacy

Data privacy refers to the protection of personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. In the video, concerns about the privacy of electronic medical records are addressed, highlighting the importance of safeguarding sensitive patient data. Epic Systems emphasizes the need for robust security measures to ensure that healthcare data is handled confidentially and securely.

💡Health Information Exchange

Health Information Exchange (HIE) is the process of sharing patient health information electronically among various healthcare providers. The video discusses how electronic medical records facilitate HIE, allowing for seamless continuity of care as patients move between different healthcare facilities. This exchange of information is crucial for informed decision-making and improved patient outcomes.

💡Patient Engagement

Patient engagement refers to the involvement of patients in their own healthcare decisions and management. The video highlights the role of Epic's system in empowering patients by providing them with easy access to their medical records, test results, and the ability to manage appointments through an app. This level of engagement can lead to better health outcomes and increased satisfaction with healthcare services.

💡Healthcare Efficiency

Healthcare efficiency pertains to the optimal use of resources to provide the highest quality of care with the least waste. The video discusses how electronic medical records have improved healthcare efficiency by reducing the time and effort spent on managing paper records, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care. This shift towards digitalization has streamlined processes and improved overall healthcare operations.

💡Technology in Healthcare

Technology in healthcare refers to the application of advanced tools, devices, and software to improve patient care, streamline operations, and enhance decision-making. The video showcases how Epic Systems has leveraged technology to revolutionize healthcare by developing electronic medical records, which have become integral to patient care in major U.S. health systems.

💡Innovation in Healthcare

Innovation in healthcare refers to the development and implementation of new ideas, technologies, and processes to improve patient care and overall health system performance. The video highlights the innovative culture at Epic Systems, which has led to groundbreaking advancements in electronic medical records and other healthcare technologies, ultimately transforming the healthcare landscape.

Highlights

Epic, a medical software company, handles the private medical records of about 60% of patients in the United States.

Epic's headquarters in Verona, Wisconsin, features unique workspaces such as old railway cars, subway cars, tree houses, and gingerbread houses.

Judy Faulkner, the 76-year-old founder of Epic, is a self-described computer software engineer and admitted nerd.

Epic's software has made it possible for medical records to follow patients wherever they go for treatment in the U.S.

The company started in 1979 with just two employees in a basement, aiming to digitize patient records.

Epic's system is now integral to patient care in nearly every major U.S. health system.

Patients can now check their lab results, refill medications, make appointments, and share medical records through an Epic app.

The Mayo Clinic, Epic's largest client, plans to spend over a billion dollars on the software over the next several years.

Epic's technology allows for critical patient information to be displayed on multiple screens in trauma rooms for real-time monitoring.

Some doctors find data entry on Epic's system to be time-consuming, but advancements are being made to reduce this burden.

Epic is working on a voice-activated system that could allow doctors to interact with medical records using voice commands.

Despite concerns about privacy, computerization of medical records is considered a safer alternative to physical records.

Epic's innovative approach to software development has the potential to revolutionize the way medical records are managed and accessed.

The company culture at Epic is designed to attract young, talented employees who value making a meaningful impact on healthcare.

Epic's success is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the field of technology and healthcare.

The transition from paper records to digital has greatly improved efficiency and accessibility in healthcare record-keeping.

Epic's software competes with major tech companies like Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Apple in terms of attracting top talent.

The company's low-profile approach, despite its significant impact, has kept Epic out of the public eye.

Transcripts

for a while now we've been hearing about

how all our medical records are going

electronic so for the record how exactly

does that work rather than ask your

doctor ask our Lee Cowan this may not

look like the typical setting for a

medical software company get in a little

closer and that's even more evident it's

as much theme-park here as anything

Alice in Wonderland kind of stuff

literally the workspaces here can be in

old railway cars or subway cars tree

houses and gingerbread houses even its

employee cafeteria looks like a train

depot to Al and that story books are

written about I walk through and was

like what is this what it is is the

self-described intergalactic

headquarters of epic in the middle of

the farm fields of Verona Wisconsin just

outside Madison if you've never heard of

this place

just ask your doctor because it's epic

software that handles the private

medical records of about 60% of the

patients in this country probably yours

one of the things that strikes me is

that epic has such a big reach and it

really impacts so many people's lives

and yet so many people I've never heard

about that no yes it's behind the scenes

we haven't advertised we haven't put out

press releases and I don't know if that

was a good thing to do or not Judy

Faulkner is the 76 year old genius

behind epic a computer software engineer

and admitted nerd who built this curious

place in her own curious image

a hint of her personality was revealed

last year when to celebrate Epic's 40th

anniversary she dressed like she was

back in the 70s again well here's the

skinny man that's far out she's a little

far out too far out in front she not

only build a giant tech company from the

ground up but in the process made

herself one of the richest self-made

women in the world we have to compete

with Facebook Google Microsoft Apple etc

we do a lot of acceptances because

people look around and say I think I'd

like to work here there are nearly

10,000 employees at Epic who mingle

among the art work that about doubles

the population of Verona it's a young

place average age about 26 Pegg Horner

and Niklas boström could have worked in

sunny Silicon Valley but they chose to

come to wintery Wisconsin instead

because they say is far as big tech

companies go epic is doing more than

just building phones we feel like we

have an impact to make and that's

something that I actually really value

about here I don't feel like I'm just

clocking in and clocking out you know

we're not here to just grind out on

something that's not really doing

anything it's making other people be

able to be healthy and happy it was 1979

when the company started in a basement

with just two employees the goal to move

patient records from overstuffed

dog-eared vanilla folders to digital

records accessible with a click of a

mouse no one it's been much time

figuring out just how to get a computer

to handle all that data but Falkner

always had a way with computers and she

engineered a program person I used to

like when I was a kid to play with clay

and make things out of clay and I always

thought of computer programming as clay

of the mind the first time I did

something and there it was on the screen

it was wow it's very creative in the

decades that followed it grew from the

mundane to a system that is now integral

to patient care in nearly

major US health system its ubiquity

means that you can now go almost

anywhere to be treated and your medical

records will likely follow you there

here's an example of what my test

results look like right from here in

fact you can now check your lab results

refill medications make appointments

even share your medical records right

from an epic app John bina so all of

this data was never available in the

past and now you can see it all on the

phone paper records served us pretty

well for centuries but more what a rat's

nest of death in this case the patient's

getting blood drawn they're going to

surgery visit they're going to pain

clinic they're going to mammography dr.

Steve Peters is a pulmonary critical

care physician at the Mayo Clinic in

Rochester Minnesota it's the old days I

don't want to rush back he showed us

mock-ups of what those old detailed

paper records used to look like and how

they used to travel so the records were

doing here records from Mayo Clinic

patients used to fly around from room to

room in those pneumatic tubes there must

have been miles and miles and tubing

it's like the arteries inside of the

building it was state of the art in

record-keeping at the time so it does

make a certain amount of sense that the

Mayo Clinic would end up today being the

single biggest client of epic spending

over a billion dollars over the next

several years two integrated systems how

much is this going to change things

we've been keeping track of the

diagnosis of the Mayo Clinic patients

since before we had electronic records

but the ability to have it all coming

from one source makes it a lot easier

without good access to data

you really are flying blind we have met

the head in the foot of the bed the Mayo

Clinic's trauma rooms now have more

screens than a Best Buy

Epic's Malory Heinz Roth worked with dr.

Heather keen to customize a system that

allowed critical patient information to

be displayed on those screens all at

once so the data is getting monitored

from the patient who's on the table I'm

going into their record in the computer

and then being

hunted up real-time with all that data

though at your doctor's fingertips their

fingertips can be pretty busy too busy

say some because of patient privacy we

can't really show you all the data the

doctors have to enter on that epic

system but some tell us it's too much

and if you've been to your doctor lately

you know it can feel like they spend as

much time entering data on a keyboard as

they do on you but dr. Peter says get

used to it it's like blaming the word

processor for a homework assignment or a

student who has to write a term paper it

is where the documentation has to go the

technology isn't the enemy it's just the

reality that's correct

epic is however working on a solution

that would free up your doctor

altogether one of the things that might

be coming down the road I understand is

instead of having to the key and

everything you might sort of have the

Alexa of medical records that is correct

and how would that work the doctor would

just say hey epic show me Lee's history

and that would come up and in the end

the doctor would say hey epic write my

note and the whole that would be ready I

know you don't store the data but I

think some people think you probably do

so how do you handle the privacy

concerns if all of this information is

out there floating around yeah that is

such a good question I think it always

makes sense to be a little bit worried

but I was at a talk once where the man

giving the talk held up paper medical

records and said it was so easy to put a

white coat on walk into the chart room

and pull out any records you wanted and

walk out again computerization is

probably a safer way to do it not a

perfect way not a hundred percent what's

safer in a place with a stairway to

heaven and an elevator to hell there's

no shortage of imagination here in epic

medical records don't really sound all

that fanciful but here and in Judy

Faulkner's mathematical mind seems

possible really it's technology and

software development working together

I'm waiting for the decoder ring to come

out