Epic Telehealth: Evolving Remote Care in 2025

Posted in Epic

Healthcare delivery today is different from what it was in the pre-COVID-19 era. Virtual care transitioned from being a niche offering to becoming a central part of how providers deliver services and the way patients expect to receive them. Telehealth utilization has stabilized at levels 38x higher than before the pandemic. This evolution would be incomplete without mentioning Epic Telehealth, a powerful, integrated platform designed to support high-quality virtual care across the entire continuum.

Epic Telehealth offers more than just video visits. It’s a comprehensive, EHR-integrated solution that’s helping reshape the future of care, making it more accessible, coordinated, and patient-centered. Let’s explore how Epic Telehealth works, what makes it unique, and why it’s proving invaluable for healthcare organizations.

What Is Epic Telehealth?

Epic Telehealth is a set of tools built into the Epic EHR system that enables virtual care delivery. It supports a wide range of use cases, from routine check-ins to chronic care management, keeping documentation, communications, and data in one place.

Here’s what Epic Telehealth includes:

1. Virtual Appointments

Services rendered by Epic telehealth (HIPAA-compliant solutions) are secure and high-quality. These real-time interactions allow an Epic remote client to connect with their providers from wherever they may be through the MyChart portal or mobile app.

Prominent features include:

• End-to-end encryption ensures privacy and security during every consultation.
• One-click access from patient and provider dashboards, eliminating technical friction.
• Automatic EHR integration, where notes, diagnoses, and prescriptions are documented in real time.
• Multi-party support, enabling interpreters, family members, or additional clinicians to join when needed.

2. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) 

For patients managing chronic illnesses or recovering from acute events, remote patient monitoring plays a vital role. Through the integration of Epic telehealth with medical-grade home devices such as blood pressure cuffs, glucose monitors, and weight scales, clinicians can monitor vital signs and symptoms between visits using Epic at home.

Benefits of Epic RPM:

• Automated data feeds flow directly into the patient’s chart in Epic.
• Providers receive alerts if readings fall outside of safe thresholds.
• Supports management of conditions like diabetes, heart failure, COPD, and hypertension.
• Encourages proactive interventions and reduces hospital readmissions.
  

3. E-Visits and Messaging

Not all healthcare needs require a live conversation. For non-urgent issues, such as minor symptoms, prescription refills, or follow-up questions, Epic Telehealth supports secure, asynchronous messaging between patients and their care teams.

• Patients submit an e-visit questionnaire or message via MyChart.
• Providers review the information and respond within a designated timeframe.
• Responses, treatment plans, or medication orders are documented and visible in the EHR.

4. Self-Scheduling and Digital Triage

Epic telehealth and its patient engagement tools make it easier than ever for individuals to take control of their care. With self-scheduling features available through MyChart, patients can:

• Book virtual or in-person appointments 24/7.
• Choose from available providers and timeslots.
• Answer triage questions that help route them to the right type of care (e.g., telehealth vs. in-person)

5. Integrated Communication Platforms

The Epic telehealth app does not modify video communication. Instead, it integrates directly with widely used, secure platforms such as:

• Zoom for Healthcare
• Microsoft Teams
• Twilio Video

These integrations are deeply embedded into the Epic workflow, allowing providers to launch a video call from the same screen they use to chart, review labs, or place orders. No need to switch apps or re-enter patient data.

Why Does Epic Telehealth Work So Well?

Epic Telehealth is a part of the system clinicians already use every day, which means adoption is easier, workflows are smoother, and care remains consistent.

1. It Meets Patients Where They Are

Patients can join video visits through the Epic MyChart telehealth app, which they already use for viewing test results, messaging their provider, etc. That makes it easier for people to follow through on appointments, especially those with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or busy schedules.

2. Streamlines Clinical Workflows

Professionals can conduct virtual visits without stepping outside. Documentation, ordering labs, and reviewing history happen in one place, in real time. That means fewer delays and less duplicate work.

3. Improves Access and Continuity of Care

Epic telehealth app is convenient and essential for patients in rural or underserved areas who often struggle to access specialists or even routine care. With Epic telehealth systems, care teams can extend their reach and offer timely, high-quality support to more people.

Market Share of EPIC Technologies

A Real-World Example: WellSpan Health

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the traditional medical care-giving (in-person visits), WellSpan turned to the Epic Telehealth app to ensure patients could still access care safely.

Within weeks, they were conducting thousands of virtual visits per week using Epic MyChart integrated with Zoom. But it wasn’t just about quantity; it was about quality sessions. Patients reported high satisfaction, and providers were able to maintain continuity of care even under challenging circumstances. Today, WellSpan continues to rely on telehealth Epic as a long-term strategy, not just a temporary fix.

Core Features of Epic Telehealth 

1. MyChart Video Consultation

The Epic MyChart patient-facing app and web portal have built-in video visit functionality, allowing patients to schedule, access, and attend virtual appointments without needing to download separate apps or create additional accounts.

It offers:

• User-friendly interface: Patients of all ages can easily navigate the scheduling and visit process from their phone, tablet, or computer.
• Automated appointment reminders: This capability reduces no-show rates and improves patient follow-through.
• Secure, HIPAA-compliant video: Ensures privacy and meets federal healthcare standards.
• Real-time documentation: As the visit occurs, providers can document directly into the EHR, place orders, send prescriptions, and follow up, all without leaving the screen.
  

2. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Epic telehealth and its remote patient monitoring tools enable ongoing oversight of patients’ health from anywhere; they can even access Epic home. By integrating with FDA-approved wearables and smart medical devices, providers can remotely track vital signs, symptoms, and treatment adherence between visits.

Main benefits include:

• Real-time health data from devices like blood pressure cuffs, glucometers, pulse oximeters, and digital scales.
• Automated alerts notify clinicians of values outside of safe thresholds.
• Historical data trends support more informed decision-making during virtual or in-person visits.
• Improved chronic care management for conditions like heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, COPD, and obesity.

3. Interoperability and Information Sharing

One of the biggest differentiators of Epic telehealth is its powerful interoperability capabilities, particularly through tools like Care Everywhere and Epic Happy Together. This is critical when patients receive care from multiple providers. With Epic Care EMR and its connected system, those transitions are smoother, safer, and better informed.

These tools allow clinicians to:

• Access and share patient records across different Epic organizations and other participating systems nationwide.
• View consolidated medication lists, allergies, lab results, and imaging in one unified timeline.
• Coordinate care across specialties and organizations without duplicated tests or fragmented communication.
  

4. Built-In Integration with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Twilio

Rather than building its own video software from scratch, Epic takes an innovative approach by integrating with proven, secure platforms like Zoom for Healthcare, Microsoft Teams, and Twilio Video. This tight integration reduces training time for staff, minimizes technical disruptions, and provides a consistent experience for both clinicians and patients.

• Healthcare providers can launch video visits directly from within Epic Care companion, without needing to switch screens or log into a third-party system.
• Video feeds and call metadata are embedded in the visit record, ensuring seamless documentation and tracking.
• Clinics and hospitals don’t need to maintain separate video infrastructures or user management tools, reducing the overhead count.
• Whether you’re running a small practice or a large academic health center, this flexibility supports enterprise-wide deployment.
  

Benefits of Epic Telehealth

Epic Telehealth offers measurable benefits for both patients and healthcare organizations.

For Patients:

• Greater Access to Data: Especially critical for rural areas, seniors, and patients with mobility challenges
• Convenience: No travel, no waiting rooms, and flexible scheduling
• Improved Communication: Easier to reach providers for follow-ups and questions
• Empowerment: Tools like MyChart put more control in patients’ hands

For Providers and Organizations:

• Lower No-Show Rates: Telehealth options increase appointment adherence.
• Increased Efficiency: Less administrative work and faster clinical decision-making.
• Stronger Care Coordination: Shared records lead to safer, more informed care.
• Scalability: Virtual visits allow systems to serve more patients without expanding physical infrastructure.

Implementation for Healthcare Systems

Rolling out Epic telehealth across a healthcare organization requires planning, but the good news is that most of the necessary infrastructure is already in place.

Here are a few tips for successful implementation:

1. Align Workflows

Telehealth should integrate seamlessly into the clinical workflow. Identify common visit types that work well virtually, such as follow-ups, mental health check-ins, or chronic care reviews, and create visit templates to standardize the process.

2. Train Providers and Staff

Educate clinicians on the technical and interpersonal aspects of virtual care. From using video tools to understanding body language over video, good virtual bedside manner matters.

3. Support Your Patients

Offer tech support, how-to guides, and live assistance for patients using MyChart. Ensuring a smooth first experience can dramatically improve long-term engagement.

4. Monitor and Measure

Track key metrics like appointment completion rates, satisfaction surveys, clinical outcomes, and billing. Use this data to refine your approach over time.

Challenges to Address

Implementing Epic telehealth presents multiple challenges, but Folio3 Digital Health’s services can help you overcome them:

1. Reimbursement and Licensing Variability

Telehealth reimbursement policies and licensing requirements differ across states, leading to complexities in billing and provider credentialing.​

Solution: As an official Epic Vendor Partner, Folio3 Digital Health possesses deep expertise in the domain, and our services go beyond simply connecting systems. We can configure Epic to incorporate state-specific reimbursement rules directly into the billing workflows. This means that when an Epic telehealth visit occurs, the system can automatically apply the correct billing codes and modifiers based on the patient’s and provider’s location. 

2. Limited Internet Access 

Not all patients have access to reliable internet or devices, limiting their ability to receive telehealth services.​

Solution: We develop telemedicine platforms that are not only HIPAA-compliant and scalable for large healthcare systems but also designed with accessibility in mind. By ensuring compatibility across a wide range of devices, including commonly used smartphones and more affordable tablets, they lower the barrier to entry for patients. This focus on multi-device accessibility means patients can connect with their providers using the technology they already own and are comfortable with. 

3. Addressing Provider Burnout

The increased demand for telehealth can lead to provider burnout due to extended screen time and administrative burdens.​

Solution: Folio3’s Epic integration services directly address this by optimizing clinical workflows within the Epic environment. By automating routine tasks such as appointment scheduling, documentation, and prescription refills, they reduce the manual burden on providers. Data flow between different modules minimizes the need for repetitive data entry, allowing clinicians to spend more time focusing on their patients during telehealth consultations. 

4. Ensuring Privacy and Security

Maintaining patient data privacy and security is paramount, especially with the rise in cyber threats targeting healthcare systems.​

Solution: Folio3 Digital Health understands the critical nature of data privacy and security in healthcare. Our Epic integration services are built with a strong emphasis on implementing comprehensive security protocols. This includes employing advanced data encryption techniques to safeguard patient information during transmission and storage. Our solutions adhere strictly to HIPAA regulations, ensuring that all technical and administrative safeguards are in place to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI).

What’s Next: The Future of Epic Telehealth

AI and Predictive Tools

Expect AI-powered insights that help providers prioritize care, identify risks during visits, and suggest treatment options based on EHR data.

Greater Interoperability

With federal frameworks like TEFCA and FHIR APIs gaining traction, Epic is positioned to lead in cross-platform data exchange, especially for multisystem collaborations.

Virtual-First Care Models

More organizations will move to “virtual-first” approaches, and Epic telehealth supports this with digital triage, self-scheduling, and integrated follow-up tools.

Personalized Digital Health

From wearable integration to behavioral nudges in MyChart, the next phase of Epic Telehealth will be more tailored to each patient’s unique needs, preferences, and health goals.

Epic Telehealth Integration Made Easy with Folio3 Digital Health

As an official Epic Vendor Services Partner, Folio3 Digital Health empowers healthcare organizations to integrate telehealth solutions within their Epic systems. Using industry standards like HL7 and FHIR, we ensure robust interoperability, enabling real-time data exchange and enhancing care coordination. Our commitment to compliance with HIPAA and GDPR safeguards patient data, cultivates trust, and meets stringent privacy requirements. 

Final Thoughts

Epic telehealth has become a critical component of modern care delivery. Embedding virtual care directly into the EHR allows providers to deliver smarter, faster, and more coordinated care to patients nationwide. Whether you are a leading health system, managing IT, or providing frontline care, investing in a thoughtful, integrated telehealth strategy can improve outcomes, reduce costs, and create a better experience for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are the main methods of integrating telehealth platforms with Epic?

Epic supports integration through its APIs, notably the USCDI on FHIR API, allowing third-party telehealth applications to access and exchange patient data securely. Epic’s App Orchard provides resources and guidelines for developers to build and integrate applications.

2. How can we start a telehealth visit within Epic?

Healthcare professionals can launch telehealth sessions directly from the patient’s appointment in Epic telehealth. By accessing the scheduled visit, they can start the integrated video platform (e.g., Zoom or Microsoft Teams) without leaving the Epic interface.​

3. What are the system requirements for patients to join a video visit?

Patients need a device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and access to the MyChart portal. Supported browsers include the latest versions of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.

4. How does Epic ensure HIPAA compliance during telehealth sessions?

Epic integrates with HIPAA-compliant video platforms, ensuring encrypted communication. Access controls and audit logs are maintained to protect patient privacy.

5. Is it possible to conduct group telehealth sessions through Epic?

Yes. Epic’s integration with platforms like Zoom allows for group sessions, enabling multiple participants (e.g., family members, interpreters, or multidisciplinary teams) to join a single telehealth visit.

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