Medical record exchange between hospitals, clinics, and health-care organizations has always been a complex process. Different formats and vendors make it challenging for doctors and providers to access comprehensive patient data. Epic Systems, a major player in this field, aims to address this issue by migrating all its customers to a new government-backed medical records exchange by the end of next year.
Privacy protections like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) add another layer of complexity to sharing sensitive patient information. Obtaining patient consent or knowledge for third-party access is crucial, making the exchange process even more intricate. Epic’s commitment to the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) is expected to streamline this process and bring all stakeholders together.
In addition to its initiative, Epic has joined forces with Carequality, an interoperability network striving to align with TEFCA. By revising its policy to match TEFCA’s definition of treatment, Carequality aims to prevent clashes over the exchange of patient records for non-treatment purposes. Epic commends Carequality’s decision and will continue to support customers in transitioning to TEFCA through Carequality.
Carequality currently connects a significant portion of hospitals, clinics, and care providers in the U.S. Epic believes that TEFCA presents a unique opportunity to involve the remaining 30% of hospitals in data exchange networks, reinforcing trust among care organizations. By standardizing the exchange process and defining clear permitted purposes, Epic and Carequality are paving the way for a more efficient and secure health information exchange landscape.
The transition to a new medical records exchange signifies a significant leap forward in the health-care industry’s efforts to streamline data sharing. With Epic Systems leading the charge and collaborating with organizations like Carequality, the vision of a cohesive and secure health information exchange network is becoming a reality. As technology continues to evolve, ensuring the seamless transfer of patient data is crucial for providing high-quality care and improving health outcomes.