Scripps Health has selected Epic as its strategic partner for a single, integrated EHR and revenue cycle management (RCM) system, and is in its final phase of the selection process. The new system will replace Scripps’ current ambulatory and inpatient EHR and revenue cycle management systems. System design is slated to begin in mid-2015, with implementation planned to kick off in mid-2017, subject to final approval of Scripps’ agreement with Epic by the Scripps Health board of trustees.
“Epic is the leading information technology partner to major hospitals and health systems across the United States,” said Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps. “Epic’s interoperable EHR will enable Scripps to create an integrated platform across Scripps’ inpatient and ambulatory settings and share data securely with external groups that use other EHRs. Our caregivers will be able to exchange data across our system, our region and beyond, with both civilian and military health care providers. This seamless data and communications platform spanning the care continuum will improve the already excellent care we provide our patients and also position Scripps for long-term growth for years to come.”
Scripps previously purchased GE Healthcare’s Centricity Enterprise in 2007 and Allscripts Enterprise for its outpatient clinics in 2009. The win is another tough loss for Cerner as Epic continues to gain more market share in the provider market. The San Diego, CA-based integrated health system treats more than 600,000 patients annually through the dedication of 2,600 affiliated physicians and more than 14,000 employees among its five acute-care hospital campuses, hospice and home health care services, 26 outpatient centers and clinics, and hundreds of physician offices throughout the region.
“This system will touch every clinical process and every caregiver at Scripps. The new tools and functionality available on the Epic platform will allow our physicians, nurses, technicians and staff to work more efficiently and collaboratively to meet the needs of our patients. And it will allow patients to interact with caregivers in the timely management of their care, said James LaBelle, M.D., Scripps chief medical officer. ”