UPMC's Epic Transformation: Consolidating 6 Million Patient Records for a Health System Revolution

In a monumental effort set to reshape the healthcare landscape, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is embarking on a journey to streamline its operations and enhance patient care. This healthcare giant, boasting a $26 billion valuation, is taking the bold step of transferring a staggering six million patient medical records into a single digital recordkeeping system. This transition from nine separate electronic health record (EHR) systems to a unified platform represents a transformative shift that involves the efforts of 600 information technology technicians and up to 1,200 clinicians, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

The crux of this initiative is the migration of UPMC's patient records from Oracle's Cerner Corp. EHR system to the digital platform offered by Epic Systems Corp. The move signifies more than just a change in technology; it's a fundamental shift in the way UPMC manages patient data. As Chris Carmody, UPMC's Chief Technology Officer, puts it, "It's not just a technology transfer, it's truly transformational for the system." This transformation is driven by a commitment to ensuring that patient care remains efficient and uninterrupted, even as data systems undergo a massive overhaul.

One of the primary advantages of this monumental change is the significant reduction in the volume of digital patient admission, discharge, and transfer messages generated daily at UPMC. Currently, the organization deals with an astounding 27 million such messages each day, spread across multiple EHR systems. With the consolidation into the Epic platform, this number is expected to shrink by half or more. This reduction in data traffic not only lowers operating costs and reduces burnout but also strengthens cybersecurity measures, ensuring that patient information remains secure in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of this transition is the newfound freedom it offers to healthcare professionals. Doctors, nurses, and other clinicians will have more time to dedicate to patient care, as they will now have quick and seamless access to a patient's entire medical record. This means that healthcare providers can make informed decisions more swiftly, leading to improved patient outcomes and overall satisfaction.

The transition to Epic has been in the works for two years and is set to kick off in the fourth quarter of this year. The entire transfer process is expected to be completed by mid-2026, signifying a commitment to a thoughtful and thorough transition that prioritizes patient care above all else.

For UPMC patients, this shift will be virtually seamless. The organization plans to expand the capabilities of MyUPMC, its secure online portal, which already allows patients to schedule appointments, review test results, and communicate with their doctors. As UPMC officials have stated, the project's cost has not been disclosed, but it is anticipated to pay for itself within seven years through the numerous efficiencies and improvements it will bring to the organization.

The significance of this transformation extends far beyond UPMC's own walls. Shannon Larkin, Vice President of Marketing at Harmony Healthcare IT, notes, "This is a big deal in the way healthcare data is managed so all the constituents have access to it." Centralizing patient records streamlines data access for healthcare providers, enabling them to release information promptly when requested by a patient. Delayed access to medical records due to multiple digital platforms can be a hindrance to providing efficient and effective care.

UPMC's Chief Information Officer, Ed McCallister, underscores the profound impact this digital platform switch will have, stating, "It's one of the most transformative activities we've had here at UPMC. It's going to impact everybody. It's the entirety of the organization that's going to move this forward."

In an era where data and technology play an ever-increasing role in healthcare, this ambitious initiative exemplifies a commitment to delivering more efficient and patient-centric healthcare, setting a precedent for the industry to follow.

As UPMC boards on its journey to unify patient records with the Epic platform, it's worth noting that Extract Systems takes this endeavor a step further with its cutting-edge data extract automation solution. Extract Systems specializes in streamlining data extraction and processing, ensuring that healthcare organizations like UPMC can efficiently harness the power of their consolidated records. By automating the extraction of critical information from various sources, Extract Systems enhances accuracy, reduces manual labor, and accelerates the delivery of vital data to healthcare professionals. This innovative solution complements UPMC's commitment to efficiency, cybersecurity, and improved patient care, making it a valuable addition to any healthcare system's technological arsenal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: TAYLOR GENTER

Taylor is a Marketing Manager at Extract specializing in marketing strategy and planning. With a strong background in data analytics, graphic design, and digital and social media marketing, she brings a comprehensive skill set to her role. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. Taylor enjoys analyzing people’s behaviors and attitudes to find out what motivates them, and then curating better ways to communicate with them.