Electronic Health Reporter

Scripps Health has chosen Epic to be its integrated enterprise electronic health record (EHR) system, and is in its final phase of the selection process. The new system will replace Scripps’ current ambulatory and inpatient EHR and revenue cycle management systems.

“Epic is the leading information technology partner to major hospitals and health systems across the United States,” said Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps. “Epic’s interoperable EHR will enable Scripps to create an integrated platform across Scripps’ inpatient and ambulatory settings and share data securely with external groups that use other EHRs. Our caregivers will be able to exchange data across our system, our region and beyond, with both civilian and military health care providers. This seamless data and communications platform spanning the care continuum will improve the already excellent care we provide our patients and also position Scripps for long-term growth for years to come.”

 “This is an exciting step for Scripps,” said James LaBelle, M.D., Scripps chief medical officer. “This system will touch every clinical process and every caregiver at Scripps.  The new tools and functionality available on the Epic platform will allow our physicians, nurses, technicians and staff to work more efficiently and collaboratively to meet the needs of our patients. And it will allow patients to interact with caregivers in the timely management of their care.”

System design will begin in mid-2015, with implementation planned to begin in mid-2017, subject to final approval of Scripps’ agreement with Epic by the Scripps Health board of trustees.

ABOUT SCRIPPS HEALTH
Founded in 1924 by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, Scripps Health is a nonprofit integrated health system based in San Diego, Calif. Scripps treats more than 600,000 patients annually through the dedication of 2,600 affiliated physicians and more than 14,000 employees among its five acute-care hospital campuses, hospice and home health care services, 26 outpatient centers and clinics, and hundreds of physician offices throughout the region.

Recognized as a leader in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, Scripps is also at the forefront of clinical research, genomic medicine and wireless health care.  With three highly respected graduate medical education programs, Scripps is a longstanding member of the Association of American Medical Colleges. In 2014, Truven Health Analytics named Scripps one of the top five large health systems in the nation for the third year, and Scripps hospitals are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the nation’s best. Scripps is regularly recognized by Fortune, Working Mother magazine and AARP as one of the best places in the nation to work. More information can be found at www.scripps.org.