Artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the medical industry, increasing efficiency, improving diagnostics, personalizing care, and reducing costs. The global AI in the healthcare market is projected to reach $188 billion by 2030, with AI applications possibly cutting annual US medical costs by $150 billion by 2026. This growth is driven by the adoption of digital health solutions, including AI analytics and automation.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are the foundation for this digital shift, aggregating patient data and providing the infrastructure for AI. Widespread EHR adoption in the US has created a rich data environment for AI applications.
Maximize the power of AI within your Epic EHR system. SPsoft specializes in seamless AI integration to optimize clinical workflows and enhance decision support!
Introducing Epic Systems: The Undisputed EHR Leader
Epic Systems dominates the US healthcare market, holding between 37.7% and 39.1% of the acute care hospital market share. Its global presence is also expanding, with significant contracts in Canada and Australia. In 2023-24, Epic added hundreds of hospitals globally.
Large health systems choose Epic for its reliability, comprehensive tools, and integration capabilities. It streamlines workflows, improves interoperability, and enhances clinician satisfaction. Epic was the only major EHR vendor with a net market share increase in the US in 2023. Over 305 million patients have an electronic record within Epic’s system.
The Strategic Imperative: Focusing on Epic EHR AI
Epic’s market dominance makes its AI approach critical. Developments in Epic EHR AI impact a vast portion of the healthcare system, influencing care for millions and the practice of medicine for hundreds of thousands. Integrating Epic and AI is a strategic initiative to change healthcare technology fundamentally.
Epic’s large market share provides access to enormous datasets via initiatives like Cosmos, its aggregated patient information resource. High-quality, large-scale data fuels practical AI model training. That creates a powerful cycle: market share grants data access, which drives Epic EHR AI tool development, enhancing Epic’s platform and solidifying its leadership. Learning about Epic EHR AI is, therefore, essential for grasping the future of healthcare technology.
Epic’s Vision for an AI-Driven Future (Epic and AI)
Epic views AI as a powerful augmentation tool, such as a “trusted colleague or assistant” embedded within the EHR workflow. The core philosophy behind Epic and AI is to seamlessly integrate intelligent capabilities, freeing clinicians, patients, and staff from repetitive tasks to focus on high-value activities like patient care. Epic reported having 100 to 125 AI-powered features live or in development across various domains.
Key strategic focus areas for Epic Systems AI include:
- Boosting clinical efficiency
- Offering personalized patient experiences
- Increasing operational efficiency
- Continuing to advance medicine
The Evolution: From Predictive Models to Agentic AI
Epic’s AI journey began long before the GenAI boom. It has covered predictive analytics and machine learning for years. Early examples include models for sepsis and patient deterioration.
The current wave heavily features Epic generative AI, using large language models (LLMs) for text generation and summarization. However, Epic is already looking towards “agentic AI” – systems capable of autonomous task performance and decision-making. Epic envisions these agents handling complex workflows like identifying care gaps, assisting with pre-visit preparations, or predicting operational bottlenecks.
Key Partnerships Driving Innovation: The Microsoft/Nuance Collaboration
Epic strategically partners with tech leaders like Microsoft and its subsidiary Nuance Communications to accelerate innovation, mainly in GenAI and ambient voice recognition.
This partnership integrates Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service (including GPT-4) and Nuance’s DAX technology (like DAX Copilot and DAX Express) into the Epic ecosystem. That allows for faster deployment of Epic generative AI features, enhanced clinician productivity via automated documentation, improved data quality, and reduced administrative burden. Examples include Nuance DAX Copilot in Epic’s Haiku mobile app and Azure OpenAI powering automated patient message drafting and natural language queries in SlicerDicer.
Epic also engages in co-development through its “Epic Workshop” program with companies like Abridge. This hybrid approach combines internal development with external partnerships.
Collaborating with partners like Microsoft/Nuance allows Epic to integrate capabilities like GPT-4 while focusing internal R&D on workflow integration and specialized healthcare AI apps. That accelerates the delivery of advanced Epic AI integration features.
Leveraging Potential: Epic Generative AI in Action
Epic generative AI leverages sophisticated LLMs like GPT-4 via Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service within a secure, HIPAA-compliant pipeline. These models understand context, generate human-like text, and automate time-consuming tasks.
Adoption has been swift, with reports indicating about two-thirds of Epic providers have used some generative AI features, often reporting significant time savings. That highlights the potential of Epic generative AI to address clinician burnout and inefficiency.
Transforming Clinical Documentation
Epic GenAI impacts clinical documentation, which is a significant source of clinician burden.
- Ambient Scribes. Integration of ambient AI listens to patient-provider conversations (with consent) and automatically drafts clinical notes. Studies report up to a 50% reduction in documentation time and a 70% reduction in burnout feelings. Over 170-180 organizations used or integrated these features as of mid-2024/early 2025.
- Note Summarization. Epic generative AI creates concise summaries of recent chart entries, external data, and notes. That helps clinicians quickly grasp patient status for various scenarios (visit prep, inpatient review, shift handoffs). Summaries often include citations linking back to source information.
- AI Text Assistant. With a click, doctors refine documents for tone, brevity, or simplicity.
- Ambient Flowsheets & Ordering. AI is being developed to auto-populate flowsheets and queue potential orders discussed during visits for clinician review.
Enhancing Patient Communication
Epic generative AI improves communication via the MyChart patient portal.
- Automated Message Drafting. The MyChart In-Basket Augmented Response Technology (ART) pre-drafts responses to patient messages based on query and chart data. Clinicians review, edit, and send. Used by over 150 organizations, generating over a million drafts monthly, saving time, and often producing more empathetic responses. Epic trains the AI to adopt the clinician’s style.
- Plain Language Summaries. AI helps clinicians revise communications into clear, simple language for patients.
- Future MyChart Agents. Plans include sophisticated AI agents in MyChart for personalized guidance, reminders, and chronic condition management support.
Streamlining Administrative Tasks
Epic generative AI targets administrative efficiency and accuracy.
- Coding Assistance. AI analyzes clinical documentation to suggest appropriate medical codes (ICD-10, CPT), aiming to reduce errors, ensure compliance, and accelerate billing. Early estimates suggest AI could cut coding errors by up to 30%.
- Billing Chatbot & “Explain My Bill.” AI chatbots address billing inquiries, reducing customer service load.
- Prior Authorization & Appeals. AI streamlines prior authorization and appeal letter drafting by analyzing chart data.
- Level of Service Calculation. AI suggests appropriate service level codes based on visit documentation.
Ultimately, the key applications of Epic generative AI include:
Epic GenAI focuses heavily on alleviating administrative and documentation burdens, major contributors to clinician burnout. Its strengths in text processing align well with tasks like note writing, message management, and coding assistance. That allows for indicating a primary goal of increasing workflow efficiency.
Inside the System: Epic’s Native AI and ML Features
Beyond GenAI, Epic Systems AI includes long-standing predictive analytics and machine learning capabilities. Cosmos, a massive de-identified patient database, is central to Epic’s native AI strategy, providing invaluable real-world data for training and refining models. The addition of Cosnome integrates genomic data, enabling advanced precision medicine insights.
Epic also released an AI Trust and Assurance software suite for local validation, monitoring performance, and assessing the fairness of AI models within specific populations and workflows. That addresses the challenge of varying AI effectiveness based on local context.
AI-Powered Clinical Decision Support (CDS)
Native Epic Systems AI significantly enhances Clinical Decision Support (CDS), providing real-time alerts, reminders, and evidence-based recommendations at the point of care.
Predictive Models in Practice
Epic offers a library of pre-built predictive models, often refined using Cosmos data.
- Sepsis Prediction Model. Widely implemented, this model analyzes dozens of data points (~80 elements) to identify sepsis risk earlier than traditional methods. While external validation results are mixed, several health systems report mortality reductions with effective implementation.
- Patient Deterioration Index (DI). Predicts clinical deterioration risk, enabling earlier intervention. Organizations report mortality reductions when integrated with workflow changes. Configurable thresholds balance sensitivity and specificity.
- Other Predictive Examples. Models predict readmissions, infections, falls, no-shows, and potential health crises and identify care management candidates. The “Best Care Choices for My Patient” initiative uses Cosmos data for guidance in the selection of treatment.
AI-Driven Alerts and Workflow Integration
Model outputs are typically integrated via alerts like Best Practice Advisories (BPAs). Managing alert fatigue requires careful threshold tuning and efficient clinical response workflows. Success often involves multidisciplinary process redesign. Epic’s AI Trust and Assurance Suite allows local monitoring of model impact on clinical outcomes within specific workflows, recognizing that accuracy alone cannot guarantee improvement.
Advancing Population Health with Epic AI
Epic Systems AI supports population health management (for instance, the Healthy Planet module). AI analyzes aggregated clinical, claims, and SDOH data to provide insights. That enables organizations to:
- Stratify risk
- Close care gaps
- Manage value-based care contracts
- Support care management
- Address SDOH
SlicerDicer, with its AI agent Sidekick, allows conversational querying of population data.
Overview of Key Native Epic AI Features
Epic’s AI capabilities are extensive and built on years of predictive modeling and the Cosmos data asset. However, translating models into clinical improvement is complex, as performance varies by institution. That highlights the need for local validation and adaptation, addressed by the AI Trust and Assurance Suite, which emphasizes careful integration and constant oversight.
Building Bridges: The World of Epic AI Integration
While Epic develops native AI, the broader health ecosystem relies on third-party developers and health system IT teams for specialized solutions. Robust Epic AI integration capabilities are essential for leveraging these innovations. Seamless, secure data exchange (interoperability) between Epic and external AI tools is vital.
Connecting External AI: The Role of APIs and FHIR
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are the primary technical mechanism for Epic AI integration, allowing different software systems to communicate.
Understanding Epic’s FHIR Support
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) is the leading electronic healthcare information exchange standard. Epic embraces FHIR through its “Epic on FHIR” initiative, allowing connections with any FHIR-supporting third-party app.
Key aspects include:
- Version Support. Supports multiple FHIR versions (R4, STU3, DSTU2).
- Extensive Resource Coverage. Covers numerous data types like Patient, Observation, Condition, MedicationRequest, DocumentReference, Appointments, etc.
- SMART on FHIR. Supports secure app launch from within Epic’s interface.
Leveraging Epic’s API Landscape
Epic offers a broader API suite beyond FHIR, including HL7 interfaces and proprietary APIs. Over 750 APIs are available at no cost. Support for the USCDI standard via a USCDI on FHIR API allows standardized access to core patient data. Security uses TLS 1.2+ and OAuth 2.0. Direct database access is strictly prohibited; all exchanges must use official APIs.
The Gateway for Innovation: Epic App Market & Vendor Services
The Epic App Market is a curated marketplace for Epic customers to find and deploy integrated third-party apps. It features over 1,000 live vendor apps. The Vendor Services program provides developers aiming for Epic AI integration with access to:
- API documentation and specifications
- Testing sandboxes
- Technical support
- Tutorials and community forums
- Optional app readiness review
The process involves registration, meeting criteria, and potential listing, allowing Epic customers to request and deploy the app via the Market.
At the same time, the main benefits of App Market/Vendor Services for developers involve:
- Access to standardized APIs and documentation
- Testing sandboxes for validation
- Technical support from Epic
- Marketplace visibility to Epic customers
- Framework for security and compliance review
- Community collaboration opportunities
Implementing Custom AI within the Epic Environment
Health systems may develop custom AI or partner with vendors outside the App Market. Implementing these requires a structured approach:
- Needs Assessment & Planning. Define the problem, goals, and workflow integration. Engage stakeholders early.
- Technical Integration. Use Epic’s APIs for data exchange. Map data carefully. No direct database access.
- Security & Compliance. Adhere strictly to HIPAA and security best practices.
- Testing & Validation. Rigorous testing in sandboxes and user acceptance testing. Use tools like Epic’s AI Trust and Assurance Suite for local validation.
- Training & Support. Develop training materials and plan ongoing support.
- Deployment. Consider a phased rollout, monitoring performance and feedback.
Epic offers multiple Epic AI integration pathways, primarily relying on standardized APIs and structured programs (App Market, Vendor Services). Integrating custom AI requires significant technical expertise, planning, local validation, and strict adherence to Epic’s rules, particularly the prohibition of direct database access.
Looking Ahead: Epic EHR AI Trends for 2025
As 2025 approaches, Epic EHR AI integration will accelerate and mature.
The Rise of Agentic AI: Towards Autonomous Workflows
Agentic AI – systems capable of autonomous planning and action – is a major anticipated shift. Moreover, Gartner identifies Agentic AI as a top 2025 strategic trend, predicting its role in automating complex tasks.
Epic is developing native AI agents to:
- Automate pre-visit prep (chatting with patients, identifying/scheduling needed tests)
- Proactively close care gaps (e.g., vaccination reminders)
- Provide personalized patient guidance in MyChart
- Identify operational bottlenecks (e.g., ER crowding)
Epic builds these agents natively, leveraging its integrated system and workflow knowledge. The SlicerDicer Sidekick agent has already been released.
Maturation of Epic Generative AI Applications
2025 will see continued maturation and broader deployment of Epic generative AI capabilities like clinical note summarization, automated patient message drafting, and AI-assisted coding. With over 100-125 AI projects reported, new use cases like patient-friendly report summaries and conversational research queries are likely. Epic is moving towards native multimodal AI, integrating video, image, and genomic data analysis alongside text and voice for richer insights.
Emphasis on AI Trust, Validation, and Governance
Ensuring AI safety, reliability, fairness, and ethical use is paramount. 2025 will focus more on AI trust, validation, and governance. Gartner regards AI Governance Platforms and Disinformation Security as key trends. Epic addresses this with its AI Trust and Assurance Suite, enabling local validation and continuous monitoring for performance, bias, and unintended consequences. The emphasis remains on human oversight, especially for generative AI outputs.
Expert Outlook: What Industry Reports Predict for Epic EHR AI
KLAS Research indicates healthcare organizations value EHR vendor ML capabilities (like Epic’s sepsis identification) but desire more strategic guidance on implementation. AI adoption is maturing towards point-of-care integration for CDS and efficiency gains, with EHR vendors central to strategies.
Market analyses project strong growth for healthcare IT/EHR markets, partly driven by AI adoption. The global healthcare AI market is expected to expand rapidly. Reports on Epic EHR AI predict deep embedding in 2025, driving advances in voice documentation, predictive analytics, and virtual health assistants.
Anticipated Epic AI Developments in 2025
Key Epic EHR AI developments expected in 2025:
- Broader deployment of Epic GenAI tools (summaries, MyChart ART, coding assist)
- Initial rollout/testing of AI agents for autonomous tasks (pre-visit prep, care gap closure)
- Increased integration of multimodal AI (video, image, genomic data)
- Wider use of Epic’s AI Trust and Assurance Suite for local validation and monitoring
- Enhanced AI for population health/predictive analytics using Cosmos/Cosnome data
- Continued deep Epic AI integration with partners (Microsoft, etc.) and via Epic Workshop
- AI applications in adjacent areas like ERP and CTMS
The path for Epic EHR AI towards 2025 involves solidifying generative AI gains while pioneering agentic and multimodal intelligence. All of that is within a framework of responsible AI deployment emphasizing local validation and governance.
Final Thoughts
Epic EHR AI is actively reshaping healthcare. Native predictive models and sophisticated Epic generative AI tools are automating tasks, augmenting clinicians, and unlocking insights from data like Cosmos. The rise of agentic AI promises further automation and proactive care. Epic AI integration strategies, using standards like FHIR and platforms like the App Market, enable native and third-party innovation.
The AI-infused healthcare future, heavily influenced by Epic and AI, offers immense potential benefits. Such advantages cover reduced burnout, better diagnostics, streamlined operations, and enhanced patient experiences. However, realizing this requires navigating challenges like data privacy, algorithmic bias, implementation costs, and ensuring equitable access.
Harnessing Epic Systems AI responsibly demands collaboration, robust validation frameworks, governance, and ethical oversight. The focus must remain on augmenting human expertise, improving patient outcomes, and building a more intelligent, efficient, and equitable healthcare system. The revolution is here; navigating it wisely is key.
Drive innovation in patient care with custom AI solutions for your Epic EHR. SPsoft’s team has vast experience in creating AI applications that extend the Epic’s functions!
FAQ
How do you connect external AI systems to Epic?
External AI systems connect to Epic primarily via APIs, with FHIR being the recommended standard. Developers use Epic’s FHIR APIs (available via fhir.epic.com and Vendor Services) for secure data exchange. Integration can also occur through apps on the Epic App Market (using SMART on FHIR or other APIs) or via custom integrations using these APIs, following Epic’s guidelines. Direct database access is forbidden.
Does Epic support FHIR or APIs for AI integrations?
Yes, Epic offers extensive support for FHIR (multiple versions: R4, STU3, DSTU2) and other APIs (RESTful, HL7, web services) to enable integrations, including AI.
How does AI help with decision support or clinical alerts inside Epic?
AI enhances CDS by analyzing patient data to provide real-time insights. Predictive models (e.g., for sepsis and deterioration) assess risk and trigger alerts (like BPAs). Generative AI can summarize patient histories. AI flags drug interactions, suggests preventative care and surfaces evidence-based recommendations within the workflow.
Can AI help with population health or predictive analytics in Epic?
Yes. AI is central to Epic’s population health tools (e.g., Healthy Planet, Cosmos data). Algorithms analyze large datasets (clinical, claims, SDOH) to stratify risk, identify care gaps, predict events, support chronic disease management, and aid value-based care.
Does Epic have built-in AI or machine-learning capabilities?
Epic has many built-in AI/ML features predating recent GenAI, including predictive models (Sepsis, DI), analytics using Cosmos/Cosnome data, SlicerDicer, workflow automation, and the AI Validation Suite. Native generative and agentic AI capabilities are rapidly being integrated.
What AI-powered features does Epic already offer to hospitals?
Hospitals using Epic have access to features like:
– Predictive models (sepsis, deterioration, readmissions, no-shows)
– Generative AI for MyChart message drafting (In-Basket ART)
– AI chart/note summarization
– Integrated ambient clinical documentation (via partners)
– AI-assisted medical coding suggestions (pilot/development)
– Healthy Planet population health analytics
– SlicerDicer analytics tool (potentially with AI agent)
– AI Validation Suite
Can third-party AI vendors build apps for Epic?
Yes. Vendors can enroll in the Vendor Services program to access APIs, testing sandboxes, documentation, and support. Approved apps can be listed on the Epic App Market for discovery by Epic customers.
What’s the process to implement a custom AI tool inside Epic?
Implementing a custom AI tool involves:
1. Planning & Design. Define goals, assess needs, engage stakeholders, and map workflows.
2. Technical Integration. Use Epic’s APIs (primarily FHIR); no direct database access.
3. Security & Compliance. Ensure HIPAA compliance and data protection.
4. Validation & Testing. Rigorous local testing (potentially using Epic’s AI Trust and Assurance Suite).
5. Training. Develop and deliver end-user training.
6. Deployment. Consider phased rollout with ongoing monitoring.
