Common Questions When Integrating With Epic EPR

Integrating with Epic’s Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system can be a daunting prospect, but it opens up significant opportunities for digital health innovators seeking to commercialise their solution with NHS Trusts (with approximately 13 NHS Acute Trusts in England utilising Epic EPR at the time of writing this article).

At 6B we specialise in supporting digital health innovators to integrate with Epic, and below we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we come across from innovators aiming to interface their solutions with Epic software.

What is Epic Vendor Services?

Epic Vendor Services is a comprehensive suite of offerings by Epic to aid developers in integrating their products with Epic software. This service includes access to various interface technologies, specifications, documentation, and tutorials. Developers can utilise single sign-on options, standards-based APIs (such as FHIR and CDS Hooks), Epic-specific APIs, and other web services. The platform also provides sandboxes, client test harnesses, and example data for thorough testing and development.

Epic Vendor Services is designed for developers who are enrolled in the program. It also serves Epic’s customers interested in creating and interfacing homegrown applications with their Epic systems. Through this platform, users can access newsletters, testing sandboxes, and a plethora of tutorials to streamline their development process.

Enrollment in Vendor Services is straightforward. Prospective members can visit the registration page on the Vendor Services website, click the “I’m Interested” button, and complete the registration form – https://vendorservices.epic.com.

Vendor Services subscription starts at $1,900 per year, (for developers, Epic offers a three-month trial period).

What is open.epic?

Open.epic is a free online resource for developers to understand and engage with Epic’s interoperability solutions. It offers documentation on how Epic has implemented various standards-based APIs and interfaces, such as HL7 FHIR and ASC X12. Developers can test their FHIR-based interfaces in a self-service sandbox, obtain client IDs, and access health systems’ FHIR endpoints.

What is Epic on FHIR?

Epic on FHIR is the FHIR toolbox section of open.epic, it is a free online self-service interoperability resource. Through Epic on FHIR, you can find documentation on how Epic has implemented the HL7 FHIR standard, test your FHIR-based interfaces in our self-service sandbox, and obtain client IDs and health systems’ FHIR endpoints.

What is Epic Showroom?

Epic Showroom is Epic’s application marketplace where users can discover a variety of services designed to help healthcare organisations achieve their strategic goals. The platform brings together information and products that can connect seamlessly to Epic systems, facilitating a robust ecosystem for health IT solutions. Epic Showroom categorises products and services into four distinct tiers:

• Cornerstone Partners: These are technologies that are integral to the core functionality of Epic software. They form the foundation of Epic’s comprehensive suite of solutions and are essential for the smooth operation of healthcare workflows.
• Workshop: This tier includes established industry leaders whose products complement Epic’s software. These partners have a proven track record of success and enter into long-term relationships with Epic to develop and refine new technologies. Their solutions help Epic customers provide better care to patients.
• Toolbox: Products in this category adhere to Epic’s recommended practices for integration, known as the Blueprint. These tools are designed to enhance specific aspects of Epic’s functionalities and ensure smooth interoperability with Epic systems.
• Connection Hub: To be listed in the Connection Hub, products must have at least one live connection with an Epic site. This tier highlights solutions that are already in use and demonstrate practical integration with Epic’s ecosystem.

For innovators interested in listing their products in Epic Showroom, 6B can support you through the validation and publishing processes with Epic, ensuring that your integration meets Epic’s stringent standards for quality and interoperability.

What Epic Testing Tools Are Available?

Epic offers a range of testing tools through Vendor Services. These include:

• Try-it cases for quick web service request testing against the sandbox.
• The Hyperspace Simulator for testing workflows like SMART on FHIR and CDS Hooks.
• Browser testing harnesses to simulate Epic’s embedded browser control.
• Hyperdrive testing harness for testing applications on Epic’s new web-based client.
• Tools for testing embedded mobile applications, MyChart workflows, and Hyperspace workflows with the assistance of an Epic representative.

What APIs Does Epic Support?

Epic supports hundreds of standards-based and proprietary APIs covering a wide array of clinical, registration, scheduling, financial, patient experience, and mobile applications. This includes substantial support for FHIR, SMART on FHIR, and CDS Hooks, as well as Epic-specific APIs for both read and write operations.

Epic fully supports HL7 FHIR, including both read and write operations for numerous FHIR resources and sub-resources. Epic also participates actively in the FHIR standards development through HL7 and related initiatives such as the Argonaut and Da Vinci Projects.

How Does Epic Ensure Interoperability?

Epic software supports numerous standards-based interfaces and APIs, such as ASC X12, HL7 v2, HL7 FHIR, and many more. Epic is deeply involved in the standards community, contributing to the development and adoption of new standards, ensuring seamless interoperability with homegrown and third-party applications, hardware, and services.

How to Get Help with Epic integration?

If you encounter any issues or have questions, 6B are here to help with your Epic integration needs, contact 6B today.

Epic also provides support options too. Vendor Services developers can contact their Epic representative directly via email or phone, or use the contact form on the Vendor Services website for assistance.