UW Medicine, Epic’s 30th Customer, Looks to Modernize Its Platform

Seattle-based UW Medicine, one of Epic’s earliest customers, is strengthening its long-standing partnership with the health technology company as it looks to modernize its digital infrastructure, expand automation and adopt more AI-powered tools.

UW Medicine became Epic’s 30th customer and began its first Epic go-live in 1996. More than three decades later, the health system is now evaluating ways to move toward Epic’s latest platform and make greater use of the technology already available to it.

Jon Alford, CFO of UW Medicine and vice president of medical affairs at the University of Washington, said the organization is examining its existing Epic environment and exploring opportunities to simplify and modernize the system.

According to Alford, healthcare organizations have spent years heavily customizing technology platforms to meet specific operational needs. However, excessive customization can make it more difficult and costly to adopt new technologies.

Moving back toward a standard platform

UW Medicine aims to review its legacy Epic configuration and identify areas where the system can be streamlined.

The goal is to reduce the number of steps and clicks required by physicians, advanced practice providers and revenue cycle staff while creating a more flexible environment for future technology upgrades.

Alford said the health system is also examining Epic modules and capabilities that it has not yet fully utilized.

Preparing for AI and automation

A key priority for UW Medicine is to take greater advantage of Epic’s upcoming AI-based and automated capabilities.

By simplifying its existing platform, the organization hopes to make it easier to adopt new technologies as they become available.

The strategy extends beyond Epic. UW Medicine is also focusing broadly on automation as it prepares for financial and operational pressures across the healthcare industry.

Using technology to address reimbursement pressure

The health system is looking at ways technology, people and processes can work together to improve Medicaid eligibility for patients arriving through emergency or trauma services.

The aim is to identify patients who qualify for Medicaid more quickly and ensure that eligible coverage is captured.

At the same time, UW Medicine is seeking to reduce overhead costs and improve operational efficiency as healthcare organizations face tighter reimbursement conditions.

A long-term digital strategy

For UW Medicine, the next stage of its relationship with Epic is not simply about adopting new software. It is about simplifying its existing technology infrastructure, reducing administrative workload and creating a foundation for faster adoption of AI and automation.

After more than 30 years as an Epic customer, UW Medicine is now positioning its digital platform for the next phase of healthcare technology.

Source: Becker’s Hospital Review