The Challenge of Transitioning to a New Medical Records Exchange

Moving medical records between different health-care organizations has always been a challenge due to the variety of formats and vendors involved. Epic Systems, a major health-care software company, is taking on the task of transitioning all of its customers to a new government-backed medical records exchange by the end of next year. This initiative is part of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), which aims to provide a legal and technical framework for securely sharing patient data.

Epic Systems currently stores records for more than 280 million individuals in the U.S., highlighting the scale of the challenge in transitioning to a new system. The process involves ensuring that patient data is accessible to doctors and providers while maintaining strict privacy protections under laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). TEFCA was specifically designed to bring together different stakeholders in the health-care industry to streamline the exchange of information.

In addition to Epic Systems’ commitment to TEFCA, the interoperability network Carequality is also aligning with the new framework. Carequality, which includes Epic as a member, focuses on vetting organizations and establishing clear purposes for the exchange of patient records. By revising its policies to align with TEFCA, Carequality aims to prevent conflicts when it comes to accessing medical data for non-treatment purposes.

Expanding Access to Health Information Exchange

Carequality currently connects more than 70% of hospitals, 50,000 clinics, and 600,000 care providers, demonstrating the broad reach of the network. By embracing TEFCA, both Epic Systems and Carequality are working towards making health information exchange more efficient and secure. Epic Systems believes that TEFCA presents an opportunity to increase trust between data exchange networks and care organizations, ultimately benefiting patients and providers alike.

Overall, the transition to a new medical records exchange is a significant undertaking that requires collaboration and commitment from industry leaders like Epic Systems and Carequality. By working together to align with TEFCA’s standards, these organizations are paving the way for a more seamless and secure exchange of health information across the country.