Walgreens will roll out the Epic electronic health record (EHR) platform in its 400 in-store Healthcare Clinics in the U.S., the Deerfield, Ill.-based drug store chain announced.
And, it’s the second big drug store clinic deal Epic Systems Corp. as CVS Caremark Corp. selected Epic to be its EHR provider for its in-store MinuteClinic division last year.
In a statement, Walgreens, which is part of the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, said the transition to the Epic EHR platform will further enhance care coordination among providers while also supporting the long-term growth plan for its clinic business. The move from Walgreens’ proprietary to the new EHR, EpicCare, will begin in early calendar year 2016.
“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,” Patrick Carroll, M.D., chief medical officer for Healthcare Clinics, said. “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. This will benefit our patients, clinic providers and partners, and serves as an instrumental part of our strategic growth plan.”
According to the company, Epic’s EHR-based interoperability network, Care Everywhere, will connect with other healthcare organizations to securely share a patient’s medication list, assisting with medication reconciliation and review during Healthcare Clinic visits.
