Last Updated | May 30, 2023
Executive Summary – Epic EHR Security Features
Epic is one of the most popular and widely acclaimed EHR systems. Epic EHR security features are being used by large-scale medical practices and hospitals. However, as a medical healthcare system that contains sensitive patient healthcare information, these systems need to comply with strict security regulations, like HIPAA and others. Read out to know how you can keep EPIC EHR system secure from cyber breaches…
Introduction – Epic EHR Security Features
Epic EHR is a cloud-based EHR software that’s designed for small-scale and large-scale medical practices. It’s designed with the primary EHR features but is more focused on providing remote healthcare and telehealth.
In addition, it’s integrated with a special patient portal, so patients can access their personal health information without worrying about Epic EHR security breaches. That’s because, in addition to top-notch Epic EHR security features, they have an in-depth and fully rounded privacy policy that keeps the patient data secure.
There are customizable templates available to curate the patient’s reports. Some other features include medical appointment scheduling, clinical workflow, patient history, ePrescriptions, reporting, voice recognition, insurance claims, care management, CRM, and more.
Along with the high-end Epic EHR security system, it caters to various types of medical practices and specialties, including but not limited to anesthesia, cardiology, dermatology, mental and behavioral health, dental, ENR, dialysis, fertility, genomics, and endoscopy.
When it comes down to Epic EHR security features, you need to know that the software is HIPAA-compliant, which means there are no compromises on patient privacy. It’s a great software to secure the patient, irrespective of which device is used to access the software.
How Security Is A Top Priority For Epic EHR Users?
Epic EHR information security knows no bounds. This is because it’s not only a HIPAA-compliant option but is focused on protecting patient information. For this reason, there are various Epic EHR security templates or features that help encrypt the data, including;
- Encryption
Whenever the users’ input information and data into this EHR system, it is instantly encrypted and saved on the Epic software. As a result, the patients will be able to access private health information with the help of their smartphone, desktop, or internet browser. In addition, Epic EHR security features cutting-edge encryption means that data won’t be compromised in case of a breach.
- Limited Apps
Epic integration services have become quite popular because limited app feature helps protect patient data. According to the patient privacy policy, Epic doesn’t have the right to sell or license the patient data entered through the apps or internet browsers.
In fact, the patient information isn’t even sent to the EHR software directly, which means the information is not saved on the Epic server. The cloud-based server stores the patient’s profile picture, temporary data storage while using the software, and targeted health service providers.
- ONC-ATCB Certification
One of the best Epic EHR security features is the ONC-ATCB certification. This certification means that the software is able to create and manage patient records, communicate or share patient information with different apps or systems, and prevents data theft. The said certification has 400 criteria that Epic has passed, which means it’s vetted.
- Audit Trails
One of the most promising Epic EHR security features is the audit trail. It helps create documentation that keeps track of every action taken with the patient information by recording and registering who accessed the software, their location, access time, and what activity they did, automatically.
You can ask Epic HL7 integration services to set up the notification system, with which the patients get a notification whenever their files are being accessed. This creates transparency and allows the patients to lodge a complaint if they didn’t access the files.
- TLS & SSL
Epic has cranked up the security features by offering SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security). These security protocols not only protect patient data but also keep cyber threats at bay. In addition to these security protocols, EMR/EHR integration services can also create password systems to improve data security.
Are These Features Include User Authentication, Role-Based Access Control, And Audit Logging?
Yes, the Epic EHR system has user authentication, role-based access control, and audit logging available. With user authentication, the users have to verify their profile if they want to use the third-party app to retrieve the data. The patients must have an account on the patient portal and its login credentials to gain access.
Secondly, the role-based access control authorizes and authenticates the user before they are provided access to the data. Once the user is authenticated, the authorization is allowed or denied according to permissions – it is also determined by the IP address and role of the user.
Lastly, there is audit logging available and the users can create the audit logs with the help of AccessProfile. It is a great way of keeping an eye on the workflows and who accesses the system.
How Epic Offers Secure Messaging And Encryption Services?
The Epic EHR systems are designed with a secure messaging feature that allows healthcare teams to receive and send text messages directly from the EHR software. It’s a suitable way of eliminating the misuse of clinical systems and offering seamless communication and patient engagement.
In fact, the message details, such as timestamps and dates are saved in the billing record of the patients for auditing. In addition, the Epic charts are updated to complete the audit trail. The messages can be automatically shifted to specific folders according to the workflow rules.
For this purpose, you can ask Epic or Salesforce Health Cloud EHR integration services, or Allscripts EHR Integration Services to create and automate the folders. Overall, it’s a reasonable communication channel and is available for every Epic user.
Are These Features Help Ensure That Your Data Is Safe And Confidential?
According to the surveys, around 86% of the patients showed concern about the security breach of health information, which truly highlights the importance of using secure data storage software solutions. With all the security and privacy features mentioned above, Epic EHR promises top-notch data safety.
Epic ensures that the patient’s information is not accessed by anyone other than them or their healthcare providers. The healthcare organizations that need to unlock the potential of EHR can depend on Epic because it helps improve data security and privacy.
Epic not only helps reclaim efficiency but patients also enjoy improved healthcare services while their data is secured and encrypted.
Conclusion
Epic EHR is one of the best choices for healthcare organizations to optimize and organize patient information while improving data access for healthcare providers. It’s designed to support patient care and create a unified communication channel. Overall, the Epic EHR security features and the overall system is totally worth it!
FAQs – Epic EHR Security Features
How Does Epic EHR Protect Patient Privacy?
Epic EHR system protects patient privacy by deploying advanced security protocols like TSL and SSL. In addition, the audit trails are extremely accurate, which helps keep an eye on who accessed the files.
List The Five Common Methods Of Securing EHRs.
The EHRs can be secured with the help of audit trails, ONC-ATCB certification, and limited apps. Having said that, all these security and privacy features are designed in Epic EHR systems.
What is the Epic System for Healthcare?
EPIC system for healthcare is a specialty EHR system for doctors and physicians. The system is developed with specialized features and tools that assist medical practitioners to streamline their practice, improve efficiency and enhance patients’ healthcare quality.
What is Epic medical software?
EPIC is one of the most widely implemented EHR systems for the healthcare industry. The system comes with specialty tools including a patients portal, telemedicine, alerts, appointment scheduling, and others that assist healthcare practitioners to improve the overall quality of patient care.
EPIC EMR system offers healthcare providers the digital tools to keep track of data and critical clinical documentation for improved healthcare quality.
Which Hospitals Use EPIC software?
EPIC is one of the largest and most widely implemented EHR systems in the USA. According to statistics, EPIC EHR maintains nearly 30% market share for acute care hospitals in the USA, which is by far the largest market share in the industry. However, given the high cost of implementation and maintenance, the system is mostly preferred by large USA hospitals and other healthcare institutions.
What are Cerner Vs Epic Pros and Cons?
EPIC and Cerner are the two largest shareholders in the healthcare EHR industry controlling nearly 30% and 25% of the market share respectively. While both systems share various similarities in terms of features and functionalities, some of the prominent pros and cons of each system include;
- Cerner doesn’t offer any CRM, whereas, EPIC does offer CRM
- EPIC doesn’t offer to consult, whereas, Cerner does offer consulting services
- Epic doesn’t offer real-time data, whereas, Cerner does offer real-time data to users.
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