Starting early next year, Walgreens medical clinics will be swapping out their proprietary electronic health record (EHR) system and begin utilizing Epic's EpicCare. As Walgreens carves out its place in the evolving health care landscape, it hopes the decision will support long-term growth in its Healthcare Clinics.

"This state-of-the-industry EHR will enable more seamless communication with health systems and local providers, and gives us enhanced capabilities to deliver better health outcomes through greater care coordination and interoperability," said Dr. Patrick Carroll, chief medical officer for Healthcare Clinics. "As our clinics play an increasingly important role in health care, supporting the health care system, provider practices and patients' medical homes, care coordination can be critical."

The company also cited Care Everywhere, Epic's EHR-based interoperability network, as a major incentive for their decision. It connects with other health care organizations to securely share a patient's medical list, assisting with medication reconciliation and review during Healthcare Clinic visits, and is reportedly the largest network of its kind.

Currently, Walgreens operates over 400 Healthcare Clinics across the country. The clinics aim to bring access to medical care into the community with convenient hours and examinations with no appointment necessary.

For Epic, the purchase represents a big victory. This past summer the company was expected to win a major health record contract from the U.S. Department of Defense, but the government agency ultimately chose Leidos, (in partnership with Cerner and Accenture Federal Services).

On behalf of Epic, president Carl Dvorak said, "We're pleased to welcome Walgreens to the Epic family and look forward to supporting their goal of improving access to high quality, coordinated care."

He also referenced the Care Everywhere network. "With our focus on interoperability, Walgreens will also become a part of the nation's largest network of care organizations securely sharing patient information with hospitals, laboratories, private practices, federal agencies, local care providers, and state HIEs."

"As we continue to invest in our retail clinic business, it's critical to have these best-in-class intelligence tools that support our commitment to patient care, and can help position Healthcare Clinics as a strategic partner of choice within the communities we serve," said Jeff Koziel, group vice president for Walgreens Healthcare Clinics.

The EHR announcement comes about a week after the news that Walgreens would be buying competitor, Rite Aid.

Business Affairs Homepage