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.