Three Benefits of Implementing Epic Beaker

– Brian Kundtz is an accomplished Epic Beaker Consultant skilled at managing implementations and upgrades, building and leading top-performing teams, and resolving complex issues.

If your organization is currently utilizing the Epic EMR but has not yet implemented the Beaker laboratory system module, now is the right time to consider taking this important step. While it is true that the Beaker lab system had some maturing to undergo when first introduced by Epic, it has since evolved into a fully mature and robust solution, offering numerous benefits that far outweigh any lingering issues. Here, we present three compelling reasons to make the transition:

1. Enhanced Pathologist Access to Patient Information – By integrating the laboratory system directly into the electronic medical record, instead of relying on external interfaces, your pathologists gain seamless access to vital patient data. They will no longer need to switch between different systems to find information, as patient data can be automatically retrieved and incorporated into their reports or screens. This integration promises heightened efficiency and productivity for your pathologists.

2. Streamlined Workflows – Unlike 3rd party laboratory systems that necessitate integration through interfaces, which can create lingering issues, Beaker offers a more cohesive solution. With Beaker being part of the unified system, both the laboratory and clinicians experience enhanced workflows. For instance, adding a test to an existing specimen or requesting a recollection no longer requires phone calls and manual intervention. A laboratory technician can efficiently mark a specimen for recollection, and the system will automatically initiate the appropriate actions to collect it again. Similarly, clinicians can effortlessly add tests to existing specimens using system functionality, eliminating the need for time-consuming phone calls.

3. Advanced Reporting Capabilities – Among the most significant benefits the lab will enjoy is the remarkable improvement in reporting. The lab is no longer confined solely to the information stored within its system but can also tap into the vast data available in the EMR. This means access to data elements that were previously unavailable. Lab reports can now incorporate additional patient demographic information that might not have been transmitted to their former 3rd party lab system. Moreover, they can seamlessly retrieve patient diagnosis fields and other crucial clinical data, enabling valuable correlations between lab results and relevant clinical information.

These three benefits are just a glimpse of what implementing Beaker can offer. The system provides numerous other advantages worth exploring. Whether your organization is considering the implementation of Epic or already using it as an EMR, taking a closer look at Beaker is highly recommended. Over time, it has developed into one of the finest laboratory information systems available, delivering exceptional value to healthcare institutions.