What is the Epic System for Healthcare – Complete Guide 2024

Posted in Healthcare Integration

What Is The Epic System For Healthcare?

Technological developments have significantly evolved the healthcare system in recent years, enabling hospitals to analyze vast amounts of data more rapidly and efficiently through various EMRs or EHRs. In healthcare data management, EPIC has gained significant importance and emerged as the most popular software among the lot. Your mind must be rummaging with questions like, “What is Epic software for hospitals?” or “ Is Epic an EMR or EHR system?”

Epic EMR systems for healthcare is a complete all-in-one software platform for electronic health records (EHRs). Epic helps providers manage patient records, make workflows efficient, and improve the quality of care. 

What is Epic in Healthcare?

Epic is one of the largest health information technology providers. It is used primarily by large U.S. hospitals and health systems to access, organize, store, and share electronic medical records.

Epic systems for healthcare ensure the integration of patient data, including history of their medical conditions, managing appointments, billing, and more. Because of Epic’s deep market penetration across hospitals, clinics, and health support networks, Epic has caused healthcare providers to access and share patient details with greater convenience.

So, Is Epic an EMR System? 

Epic is the preferred EMR system used by many organizations nationwide. EMRs are digital versions of patient charts. Epic EMR resembles many work portals with which doctors can find their profiles via their personalized dashboard. Epic is a comprehensive system that combines the functionalities of EMR and EHR to improve patient care.

The EMR system Epic is the most frequently used software in most U.S. hospitals, with a market share of 39.1% in acute care hospitals in the USA. It stores patient health data, manages appointments and billing, and makes treatment plans. The tools and capabilities of Epic EHR System allow healthcare providers to store and update patient health details in real time, strengthening communication between departments and resulting in care continuity.

What Is Epic in Hospitals |  Role-Defined  

Epic is primarily an EMR system that stores computerized versions of paper records in healthcare setups like clinics, clinician offices, private practices, hospitals, etc. It can be considered digital versions of a patient’s chart providing valuable details about them. 

Given the importance of data quality in healthcare, EMRs are more valuable than paper records because they allow healthcare providers to keep track of data over time, identify and monitor patients, and improve healthcare quality. 

Epic is a leading healthcare software company that develops electronic health record (EHR) systems. While often categorized as an EMR (electronic medical record), Epic’s EHR solutions offer a broader range of functions, including patient demographics, medical history, medications, vital signs, etc. Beyond EHRs, Epic also provides other healthcare software solutions, such as revenue cycle management, population health management, and telemedicine platforms.

Healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, and physician practices, widely adopt Epic EMR systems. This penetration allows seamless patient data integration across different settings, enabling healthcare providers to access and share patient information efficiently.

What is Epic Software in Healthcare?

Epic Systems has been operational for over 40 years and is a prominent figure in the healthcare software industry. It provides a collection of platforms, features, and solutions to improve healthcare delivery. Healthcare organizations globally depend on the Epic EMR system for its advanced solutions that effectively address complex healthcare challenges.

The Epic Software system is used within the healthcare sector for electronic medical record keeping. It can be used by organizations like: 

• Community hospitals
• Independent practices
• Dental clinics
• Mental health
• Hospice
• Academic medical institutions
• Multi-specialty groups
• Children’s organizations
• Integrated delivery networks
• Retail clinics
• Rehab centers
• Skilled Nursing 

It empowers healthcare organizations to manage different tasks, such as handling volumes of patient records, billing, and personalizing treatment plans. The beauty of the Epic documentation system is that it provides customizable modules to suit the unique needs of large hospitals and smaller practices.  

Hospitals with Epic EMR systems have a competitive advantage over those that don’t. The “Epic charting system” offers more than just basic EHR functionality. With its extensive range of features, including patient portals, clinical tools, and advanced analytics, Epic enables healthcare providers to deliver patient-centric care.

Top 5 Things You Don’t Know About Epic Software

Is Epic an EMR or EHR – The Major Difference

In a nutshell, Epic is used as both an EMR and an EHR to store patients’ digital records. 

An EMR is a digital version of a patient’s chart containing their medical history from a single practice that is not shareable and usually stays in the doctor’s office. If a patient switches doctors, their EMR is not likely to follow.

On the other hand, an EHR system contains a patient’s records from multiple sources, providing a more comprehensive view of their health. It includes a patient’s demographics, medical history, test results, medications, and history of illness.

Epic EMR 

Epic EMR is a healthcare platform that optimizes patient care by enabling data tracking, patient identification, monitoring, and more. It improves healthcare outcomes by helping providers make informed decisions and deliver personalized care.

As a cloud-based EHR solution, Epic offers unmatched flexibility and scalability. Healthcare organizations widely adopt it since its modular design enables customization to meet specific practice needs. Its cloud-based structure ensures seamless integration with other healthcare systems, facilitating data sharing and collaboration.

Epic prioritizes patient engagement and remote care through its comprehensive patient portal, which is accessible via Android and iOS. It offers features like: 

• Telehealth options
• Video visits
• Post-surgery follow-ups
• Patient monitoring

Beyond its EHR capabilities, Epic offers additional features like advanced analytics, population health management tools, and revenue cycle management solutions to enhance care delivery. Epic enables healthcare organizations to improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes.

Epic’s software is easy to integrate into and operate within third-party systems. Since Epic’s open-source integration system follows HL7 compliance, records can be shared with other EHR systems operating with the same standards without hassle.  When looking for software that follows HIPAA compliance, service providers often go for Epic. 

How Does Epic EMR Work?

The Epic EMR system stores patient data in a proprietary database known as the Cache Database. One of the benefits of big data in healthcare is its ability to retrieve data quickly, which Epic does quite well. Epic’s database was designed for agility, reliability, and maximized speed. 

Epic also has a patient portal tool called MyChart, which is highly user-friendly and enables patients to quickly access personal and family health information. Moreover, they can also text or message their doctors, have online visits, fill in questionnaires, schedule appointments, and actively participate in managing their health. 

Another Epic tool, MyChart Bedside, enables hospitalized patients to stay in touch with their healthcare team, assess their schedule, access customized patient education materials, and request assistance from their healthcare providers. 

Healthcare compliance consulting firms like Epic Compliance help integrate Epic systems into healthcare technology. These companies ensure that the organization looking to integrate Epic follows HIPAA and government standards. They also provide healthcare information technology (HIT) consulting for Epic, help with strategy and incorporation, and provide consulting services to multiple healthcare organizations nationwide. 

What Database Does Epic Use?

Epic has created its own Cache Database, a more specialty-based version of the Cache database owned by InterSystems that has been significantly modified and customized to meet the specific needs of healthcare organizations. It was tailored to be integrated with Epic’s software so that they could use it. The Epic Healthcare Cache Database enables quick KB-SQL access to their database and simplifies the DBA process.

DBAs can also use integrated operational analytics to better understand how the database is performing and to determine how they may increase the reliability and speed of the Epic Healthcare Cache Database.

When implemented correctly, the database features several benefits. Some features of this powerful software include:

• Cross-platform architecture, making it easy to access and administer on OpenVMS, Windows, OS X, and Linux.
• Unparalleled security features that are Common Criteria EAL 3 certified. The features include Security auditing, smart authorization tools, and complete encryption, ensuring minimal cyber threats.
• Database Mirroring features are easy to set up, cost-effective, and allow effective disaster recovery and 1:1 data parity.
• Operational analytics tools have been embedded to allow DBAs or other IT experts to measure KPIs quickly and assess real-time insights to improve business productivity.
• The cache supports various datasets in one database. The multi-model architecture allows organizations to easily access objects, tables, documents, etc.
• Epic Cache supports distributed systems across several networked servers. This dramatically increases performance and scalability, enhancing business agility.

Epic partnered with InterSystems Cache databases due to these robust tools. 

At this point, it’s needless to say that the Epic EHR system has multiple powerful features. However, doctors can get overwhelmed since the systems are still new. Optimizing the medical UX design for Epic documentation systems will enhance efficiency and functionality. In addition, it will ensure that doctors can achieve the best outcomes from Epic systems.

How To Use Epic Charting System and Epic Medical Software?

Rigorous training is required to effortlessly use Epic medical software. Once this approach is completed, healthcare providers become more equipped to manage patient care without worries. Epic medical software is intuitive, meaning patients can access all their family health and personal information using Epics’s MyChart feature. This allows them to attend e-visits, schedule appointments, message their doctor, and complete questionnaires.

There is also a MyChart Bedside feature for hospitalized patients. They can use this to connect with the medical team caring for them, request help, access educational materials, and review schedules. Epic health system is comprehensive, with various modules for different roles and organization sizes. 

Here are some resources that can help you learn about what is the Epic system with a breakdown of what you might encounter when using a hospital epic.

Epic UserWeb

 Most healthcare facilities using the Epic health system have a login portal for their staff to access training materials and resources. This is typically called Epic UserWeb and can be found through a web search for “Epic User Web [Facility Name].”

Epic Training Resources

Epic Health System provides general training resources on its website under the section “What is Epic and How to Use Hospital Epic?” However, these may not be specific to the version of the Epic billing system used by your facility ( https://training.epic.com/).

In-House Training

To understand what is Epic in healthcare your facility will likely have its training program for new staff members on how to use Epic health system specific to their roles and workflows.

Learn how much Epic costs so that you can make the investment plan for Epic implementation.

The 3 Benefits of the Epic System for Healthcare

What Are Epic Modules?

Epic works on various modules that are specialized applications within the EHR system. These modules cover various aspects of healthcare systems, from managing patient data to clinical workflows and hospital operations. 

Each module focuses on a specific area of healthcare, enabling organizations to streamline processes, improve patient care, and enhance operational efficiency.

• Epic Hyperdrive
• Epic Ambulatory Module
• Epic Bones Module
• Epic Haiku
• Epic ASAP Module
• Epic Healthy Planet
• Epic Beacon Oncology Module
• Epic Lumens
• Epic Beaker Module
• MyChart Bedside

Each Epic module focuses on a specific area of healthcare. For example, EpicCare Ambulatory manages outpatient care, while Epic Radiant handles radiology scheduling and reporting. Read more here to explore all the Epic modules in detail.

What is Epic Software Experience in Healthcare?

Epic is the leading electronic medical record system provider that provides healthcare with industry solutions for ambulatory, inpatient clinical, departmental, revenue cycle, access, and practice management functions. The Epic experience in healthcare is using the Epic EMR system experience by healthcare organizations. Epic experience gives healthcare organizations streamlined reporting, increased efficiency and productivity, data analytics, and better patient care.

Healthcare providers using Epic experience great ease in patient management because the software streamlines all their processes and helps them save time building better relationships with their patients.

Though Epic experience may be costly for some practices, it is an all-inclusive system experience that reduces the additional costs of buying more than one software to run its processes.

Additionally, Epic experience can also be taken into consideration for candidates who want to be Epic certified. To obtain certification and acquire Epic expertise, they must complete a training program and pass an exam. This Epic experience helps healthcare individuals fly to any hospital and offer Epic integration solutions since they are certified to do so.

What is an Epic Experience in Nursing?

Epic experience in nursing refers to the ability to effectively use the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system. Registered Nurses must undergo training to gain Epic experience, which is a two-step process.

1. Nurses have to watch a batch of prerequisite e-learning sessions. 
2. Once done, they can attend lab sessions to practice their learning. 

Since Epic requires organizations working on Epic implementation to get certified, they send their staff members. Their organizations typically sponsor the nurses working in the hospital to get Epic experience. Epic hospital software enables nurses to track and update patients’ files and medical records in a safe system and learn to communicate and document care plans.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Epic Software?

Epic Software is an optimal health record system; however, it also has disadvantages. Here are Epic software’s advantages and disadvantages listed below:

Advantages

Helps Physicians Thrive

EpicCare is a comprehensive healthcare software platform that streamlines administrative tasks for physicians, enhancing patient care. By automating routine workflows, providing mobile access to patient information, and reducing administrative burden, EpicCare allows physicians to focus on delivering high-quality care. 

Fully Integrated System

Epic System encompasses clinical information, registration, patient scheduling, and billing. It is a fully integrated system that is widely used and practice-proven. Epic also has applications integrated with the whole system to allow doctors to access records from any device at any time.

Productivity

Epic is a top-notch acute and ambulatory EMR that increases physician productivity and effectiveness of care. 

Best for Modern Healthcare Systems 

It contains all the features essential for a modern practice to work efficiently and maintain an adequate medical record. Epic EHR allows data sharing between healthcare systems and providers for informed decisions and connectivity for real-time insights.

Enhanced Financial Performance

Enhanced financial performance is achieved by improving revenue cycle management and boosting financial efficiency, helping healthcare organizations optimize billing processes and reduce costs.

Disadvantages

Bugged Updates

Epic frequently updates its software, leaving users with catastrophic problems and increasing the burden on healthcare providers.

Confusing Records

Working with Epic EMR can sometimes be challenging. For example, a common roadblock is printing the entire patient record when only an X-ray report is needed.

Time Demanding 

Sitting in front of the computer while using Epic sometimes takes an unusual amount of time if you do not have the right training. 

Low-quality Training 

Some nurses find Epic’s training inadequate because it takes them weeks and weeks of training, and still, they do not know what they are doing.

What Does Epic EMR Look Like?

Epic EMR has a user-friendly interface that resembles standard work portals. Physicians can access their personalized dashboards to view patient charts and utilize the “Note Writer” tool to document diagnoses and other relevant information. The system integrates notes and medical records seamlessly, facilitating easy reference and better patient care.

Dashboard and Epic EMR Interface

To understand what is Epic in the medical field and if Epic is an EMR or EHR, understanding the basics is crucial. 

EMRs are used by small practices to store patient data; on the other hand, EHRs are used by larger chains and hospitals for data storage and sharing. 

Some might think Epic Health System, a widely used EHR system, is very difficult to operate. However, understanding the dashboard and user Interface with little practice or training on hospital Epic can work to give a headstart. 

The Epic System’s dashboard is designed to be user-friendly and natural, providing patient data with quick access to necessary tools. Usually, they have widgets and shortcuts to access patient lists, appointment scheduling, and accessing or updating charts.

Epic health system allows customization, so the entity getting EPIC can tailor their EHR system dashboard according to the preferences. The Epic charting system supports integration with other EHR systems, such as laboratory results and radiology reports, streamlining the workflow and reducing the need for switching between different applications. Epic system supports interoperability and can be integrated with platforms like HL7 (Health Level Seven) Interface, FHIR, APIs, and custom integrations.

Advanced Features and Integration

One of Epic Health System’s greatest and standout features is its advanced note-taking system, Note Writer. It allows doctors to input detailed notes during patient consultations, utilizing templates and predefined phrases to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

These notes can be integrated into a patient’s medical record, allowing all their health history to be in one place – “Epic Healthcare.” Additionally, Epic Medical supports interoperability standards, enabling data exchange with other EMR and EHR systems and health information exchanges (HIEs). This interoperability is crucial for providing coordinated care across different healthcare settings, as it allows for sharing critical patient information between primary care providers, specialists, and hospitals.

Case Study: HipLink

Overview: HipLink integrated different EMRs with the help of Folio3 Digital Health, and the Epic EHR system was one of them. The Epic implementation helped them with real-time message delivery.

Impact

Result: Improved efficiency in communication across multiple departments.

Outcome: Reduced manual messaging by 20%, leading to more cost-effective patient care.

Integration: HipLink’s use of Epic also included a MyChart patient portal, improving patient engagement by 35% through better access to personal health data and communication with healthcare providers.

What Do Epic EHR Systems Do?

Epic Systems is an all-in-one EMR platform for managing healthcare operations. The software is primarily based on Epic’s database management system, Chronicles.

Epic Systems were made to support functions and processes relevant to patient care, such as scheduling and registration. Extensive clinical systems are available for healthcare nurses, doctors, paramedics, and others.

Epic offers specialized modules for various healthcare professionals, including radiologists, lab technicians, and pharmacists. Additionally, it also provides billing systems tailored to the specific needs of medical insurance companies.

Why Choose Epic Healthcare Company?

Epic has established itself as a leading healthcare IT solution, with widespread adoption among large healthcare systems across the United States. It is recognized for excellence and earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Best in KLAS. With over 250 organizations utilizing Epic and over 45% of the U.S. population storing their records within the system, Epic has become vital in the healthcare IT sector.

One of Epic’s advantages is that it allows the creation of a single patient chart that is accessible across various care settings. This ensures continuity of care and eliminates the need for duplicate reports. 

The MyChart patient portal helps individuals actively participate in their healthcare journey by allowing them to access their medical records anytime and anywhere. This patient-centered approach further enhances the value of Epic’s integrated solution.

What Does Epic Accounts Mean For Healthcare?

Epic accounts allow an EHR system to be used by individual physician practices and shared within the entire healthcare community. Folio3 EHR/EMR integration services allow a fully integrated system installed in a healthcare facility to process clinical information, billing, patient scheduling, and registration. An Epic account means receiving a fully integrated system, not one assembled using inefficient tools from different companies.

What Is A Billing Indicator In Epic?

A billing indicator is a tool in Epic that raises alarms related to billing purposes associated with patient care. This tool comes in handy when healthcare providers seek to track billable services to ensure that all charges are captured accurately. The billing indicator in Epic sets the right direction for revenue cycle management since it ensures that the concerned departments are notified about healthcare services that need attention to billing. This results in fewer billing errors and improves the financial performance of healthcare institutes. 

What Is EpicCare?

EpicCare by Epic Systems Corporation is a solution for outpatient departments that allows physicians to monitor their patients’ healthcare from start to finish. It documents details about patient visits, manages medical records, and coordinates treatment plans. Organizations use this to manage several daily operations, from payment and billing to appointment scheduling.

Furthermore, it contains every module; from analytics to clinical trials and mobile applications, Epic is a portable solution for storing, accessing, and organizing medical records.

Any big healthcare mobile app development company in the USA would agree that this is the best ambulatory solution. Healthcare facilities have reported seeing improvements in the productivity and efficiency of their physicians and a higher rate of ROI. Daily traffic can be increased without compromising on patient treatment quality with a noticeable increase in clinician workflow efficiency.

How Do You Pre-Chart In Epic Charting System?

Pre-charting is a way to start on patient instructions beforehand. Epic allows healthcare professionals to write patient instructions using the pre-charting feature before they arrive. During pre-charting, all resolved content will be signed automatically once the visit starts.

What Are Epic Chronicles?

Chronicles is the primary database running the Epic software. Epic systems provide their clients with the tools to maintain the database, run reports, and run queries. Chronicles allows data to be stored in a non-tabular form and then sent to Clarity, a relational database. It can then be utilized for advanced reporting.

How Does the Epic Charting System Meet HIPAA Requirements?

Epic was designed to prioritize patient data security and privacy and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations. This EHR software includes options like encryption, secure user authentication, and audit trails to protect sensitive patient records. Secure user authentication ensures that only authorized users have access to patient data, eliminating the risk of data breaches. 

Limited Applications

Epic’s patient privacy policy forbids it from licensing or selling patient information entered through its mobile app. Also, information shared by patients is not sent to Epic directly, meaning it cannot store patient information contained on mobile devices or its cloud-based servers.

The only exceptions are:

• Specific healthcare providers for GoogleFit or Healthcare
• Profile Picture
• Information is stored temporarily while you are using the application.

However, you can still choose not to share this information with Epic.

Encryption

Data and information submitted by users to Epic, even through mobile apps, are encrypted and transmitted securely to its system. Thus, patients can access their information privately and securely using the Epic mobile application anytime.

SSL and TLS

Epic has provided additional safeguards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS), to secure patient data in addition to encryption.

Discover More Hospitals Using Epic Systems

Epic is prevalent in many hospitals in the USA, including the largest, most innovative, and smallest facilities. Discover which hospitals in the USA use Epic and how it transforms patient care.  

Take the Next Step with Folio3 Digital Health

If your healthcare organization is searching for Epic integration to automate administrative processes for streamlined workflow, Folio3 Digital Health can help you. Consult with our healthcare technology experts to discover how we implement Epic to speed up your healthcare operations. Learn how we improve the user experience and seamlessly integrate Epic into the existing system. Our team of software developers, designers, and marketers adhere to HIPAA compliance rules and use the latest HL7 and FHIR interoperability standards to ensure patient data security.

Conclusion

The Epic system helps healthcare organizations, institutions, and support networks manage patient data, improve care coordination, and enhance efficiency. However, since the Epic system is robust, it requires expert guidance and customization to satisfy specific needs.

Having the right technology partner addresses the needs of Epic implementation and integrating it with existing systems. Team Folio3 Digital Health is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop custom EMR software, EHR/EMR implementations, and effortless integrations.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Epic Software Used For?

Large hospitals and practices mainly use Epic Software to acquire, arrange, store, and share digital medical records. 

Who Uses Epic EMR?

Epic EMRs, or Electronic medical records, contain information and documents collected by clinicians in their offices, clinics, or hospitals. This data is mainly used for diagnosing and treating patients. 

Find out how much the value of the EMR software is, here.

What Medical Facilities Use Epic?

Epic EMR, or Epic Electronic Medical Record, is used by many hospitals in the U.S., including: 

• Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
• Mayo Clinic Hospital
• Mount Sinai Medical Center
• John Hopkins Hospital
• Stanford Hospital
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
• Fontana Medical Center 

What Do Epic Systems Do?

Epic Systems supports operations relevant to patient care, such as scheduling and registering new patients. Extensive systems are available for nurses, doctors, paramedics, and other healthcare providers. Epic’s medical device UX design provides meaningful and relevant user experiences, emphasizing the safety and security of documentation. 

What Language is Epic EMR?

Epic is written in a version of the MUMPS global structure, which is then mapped to Caché. MUMPS, or Massachusetts General Hospital Utility Multi-Programming System, is a language planned for and designed to construct database applications. It was originally formed at Massachusetts General Hospital, where it was used to manage hospital laboratory information systems.

MUMPS technology has since branched out and is now the predominant database for health information systems and electronic health records in the United States. 

Epic Systems utilizes a MUMPS-based information system, a technology widely adopted by healthcare organizations in the United States. MUMPS’ integrated database language enables rapid data storage and retrieval, contributing to Epic’s performance and reliability.

While MUMPS is primarily associated with healthcare, it is also noteworthy for its applications in financial services. Epic’s databases, MUMPS and Cache, are recognized for their efficiency and reliability in handling large-scale data management tasks.

What Does Epic Stand For In Healthcare?

Epic was named Epic because it recounts events; in this case, the EHR system chronicles the entire history of every patient’s healthcare.

What Is Epic Tapestry?

Epic Tapestry is one of the company’s oldest modules. It was originally developed so that healthcare payers could manage operations. It consists of several modules relating to eligibility, member enrolment, plan benefits, authorization and referrals, CRM, member premium billing, accounts payable, claims and contracting, utilization management, and plan benefits. You can implement Tapestry depending on your needs.

What Is Epic Charting System?

Epic is an electronic health records system for healthcare organizations like hospitals and large practices. EMR charting systems, also known as electronic medical record charting systems, are software applications designed to capture, store, and manage patient medical information digitally. They replace traditional paper charts, providing a more efficient, accurate, and accessible way for healthcare providers to document patient encounters.

Is Epic Easy To Learn?

So, is Epic hard to learn? Epic EMR’s certification process can be very challenging. However, Epic’s instructors are helpful and make the certification process easier.

Is Epic a Database?

Epic Systems is an all-in-one EMR platform for managing healthcare operations. The software primarily uses Epic’s database management system, “Chronicles.”

What Type of Software is Epic?

It is an electronic medical record software application.

Is Epic a Good Program?

Epic is generally considered a strong and comprehensive EMR system that healthcare organizations widely use. However, its suitability can vary depending on specific needs and implementation factors.

How Many Hospitals Does Epic EHR Serve?

Epic Systems operates in over 2000 hospitals in the U.S.

What is Epic in the Medical Field?

Epic is a widely used healthcare software company specializing in electronic medical records.

What Is Epic CRM?

Epic CRM enables healthcare organizations to record all relationships with suppliers, customers, and other clients. You receive a record of all interactions through a centralized database that provides easy access to everyone who has the Epic system.

What is Epic Software Used For?

Epic software is primarily used as an electronic health record (EHR) system. It helps healthcare providers manage patient information, including medical history, appointments, prescriptions, and test results. This centralized system improves efficiency and communication within healthcare organizations.

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