Verona-based health records giant Epic Systems Corp. launched this week a software that aims to better access patients at independent medical practices across the nation.
Verona-based health records giant Epic Systems Corp. launched this week a software that aims to better access patients at independent medical practices across the nation.
After the American Medical Association in 2020 found that nearly half of U.S. physicians worked for independent medical groups, and Epic received several phone calls from providers amid the pandemic asking for a new, seamless and permanent way to connect with patients online — besides using Facebook or Zoom — “Garden Plot” was conceptualized, said J.P. Heres, company vice president for the technology.
People that operate independent medical groups often use up a lot of time, staff and resources to not only run their business, but meet evolving regulatory requirements, he said. Those same practices might also, unusual in 2022, use paper or a combination of separate digital tools to keep tabs on a patient’s health.
As recently as 2015, 87% of office-based physicians were using some kind of electronic health record system, according to the National Coordinator for Health Information and Technology. But around 900 medical practices don’t yet use Epic software, Heres said, even though 250 million patients around the world hold records through the company.
Garden Plot, which Dane County’s largest employer plans to fully unveil this August, “creates a holistic, integrated record” where patients can access MyChart’s various features — exchanges with their doctor, the viewing of test results, the scheduling of appointments and other tasks, Heres said.
On the other side, providers streamline their work, he said, adding that Garden Plot is expected to have its first wave of customers in May. Heres declined to share how many there could be, but said they are solely based in the U.S. for now.
“We will do a quarterly cycle, bringing on a handful of organizations each time,” he said.
Through the tech, patients are also able to share their Epic records with health systems that don’t use Garden Plot. And the software is subscription-based for customers, for which Epic workers handle hosting, support and the configuration and rollout of updates so healthcare professionals can focus on their patients — amid an ongoing health crisis that’s battered their industry.
While recent jobs data shows glimmers of hope, U.S. medical systems large and small continue to face scarcities of talent. Just two months ago — during the worst of the winter COVID surge brought on by the Omicron variant — 24% of hospitals faced a “critical” staffing shortage, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The software additionally provides an option for medical groups that can’t access Epic’s Community Connect program.
Launched in 2007, almost 40,000 providers now use Community Connect, which lets health systems share Epic software with nearby practices. Epic Systems Corp. to date has roughly 10,000 employees.
Photos: Epic Systems over the years
Epic Systems over the years
An aerial view of Epic System Corp.’s 1,100-acre campus in Verona includes the curved Voyager Hall and adjacent Epicenter that make up the Learning Campus on the far left, the newest Storybook campus on the upper right, the Wizards Academy campus at the top, the Prairie and Central Park campuses in the center, and the Farm Campus at center left, mirroring the working farm buildings on the property, at lower left.
Epic Systems over the years
This is the computer that held the first records for the company, founded in 1979, that became Epic Systems Corp. Founder Judy Faulkner was the sole full-time employee.
Epic Systems over the years
In the 1990s, Epic occupied the former Odana School building, 5301 Tokay Blvd., and ran out of space as the company grew. This 1997 photo shows construction of a $10 million addition, rising behind Westgate Mall.
Epic Systems over the years
Foundations are poured for the first buildings at Epic Systems Corp.’s campus in Verona, in this photo from 2004. At the time, the company was planning for six office buildings to hold 1,200 employees. Today, employment at the electronic health records company is just under 10,000.
Epic Systems over the years
A view from one prairie-style building to another, in this photo of the Epic Systems Corp. campus in Verona in 2006.
Epic Systems over the years
Epic’s red, curved Voyager Hall, part of the Learning Campus — shown in this 2007 photo — is a landmark for the sprawling campus in Verona.
Epic Systems over the years
Ever wish you could leave your office behind and retreat to the haven of a cozy tree house? This one at Epic Systems is made of scraps and leftovers from Campus 1 construction. A cowbell chimes as employees step across the wooden suspension bridge. But inside, there are electric lights and plenty of sockets to plug in laptop computers.
Epic Systems over the years
Epic Systems Corp.’s Verona headquarters includes several sets of buildings designed with different themes, including its Farm Campus.
Epic Systems over the years
In keeping with the theme of Epic’s Farm Campus, a sitting area in one of the office buildings is decorated to look like a farm field with Holsteins grazing nearby.
Epic Systems over the years
Epic’s Verona campus is known for its colorful, unusual artwork, such as this wooden sculpture meant to express joy.
Epic Systems over the years
Epic’s whimsical artwork includes sculptures such as this, scattered around the campus and throughout the buildings of its Verona campus.
Epic Systems over the years
Epic’s Kings Cross building is the culinary center of the company’s Wizards Academy buildings.
Epic Systems over the years
Epic Systems bought the 1927 carousel from Ella’s Deli on East Washington Avenue along with many of the circus-related toys that entertained diners at the East Side restaurant.
Epic Systems over the years
Workers with JP Cullen work to disassemble the carousel outside the former Ella’s Deli in 2018. The carousel, purchased by Epic Systems Corp., has been put back together and is available to see on tours of Epic’s Verona campus.
Epic Systems over the years
Epic Systems Corp. founder and CEO Judy Faulkner
Epic Systems over the years
Construction on the EPIC campus in Verona.photo by David Sandell (PUBLISHED 7/29/04) Epic Systems’ $100 million-plus campus is taking shape on a 345 acre site on the west side of Verona, helping spur the rapid growth in “Hometown USA.”
Epic Systems over the years
Epic Systems Corporation, Madison, Wis., Thursday, June 5, 2003, develops software for health care. They’re big and they’re moving to Verona, Wis. as suggested in this campus look. WSJphoto/Joseph W. Jackson III (PUBLISHED 6/8/03) This model shows plans for Epic System Corp.’s $100 million campus designed by the Cuningham Group and Associates, Minneapolis, architect for the addition on Epic’s current building and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership, Seattle, whose projects include part of the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Wash. Each office building would house no more than about 300 employees. A planned treehouse is not shown.
Epic Systems over the years
For feature on Epic Systems, located in Verona. photo by Mike DeVries PUBLISHED 3-25-09 NO CAPTION
Epic Systems over the years
A massive hole in the ground is one sign of the progress on Epic’s Campus 2. Photographed Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at Epic Systems in Verona, Wis. Construction continues on “campus 2”. WSJ/John Maniaci (Published caption 4/27/08) This huge hole will become a four-story, underground parking ramp for Epic Systems Corp., the first structure of its Campus 2, as the electronic medical records company continues to expand its Verona headquarters. Four more office buildings are also part of the project.
Epic Systems over the years
Colorful park benches encourage larger groups of employees to sit together in the cafeteria. Photographed Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at Epic Systems in Verona, Wis. Construction continues on “campus 2”. WSJ/John Maniaci (Published caption 4/27/08) Brightly colored picnic tables beckon to diners at Epic Systems’ big employee cafeteria, which features different entrees, soups, sandwiches and desserts every day, prepared from scratch by a staff of 50. The picnic tables are a way to “get people together and build a neighborhood,” says Brian E. Miller, who shares executive chef duties with Mark Hale.
Epic Systems over the years
A waterfall greets employees as they move across the Epic land. Photographed Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at Epic Systems in Verona, Wis. Construction continues on “campus 2”. WSJ/John Maniaci (Published caption 4/27/08) A pond and waterfall outside the company cafeteria provide a peaceful harbor for Epic employees.
Epic Systems over the years
An old-fashioned treehouse is set in the middle of the modern Epic land. Photographed Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at Epic Systems in Verona, Wis. Construction continues on “campus 2”. WSJ/John Maniaci (Published caption 4/27/08) From the company’s rustic tree house in the woods, Epic employees have a view of the first set of tidy, low-slung office buildings that will soon be joined by a similar set, under construction now. The Verona medical records technology company has grown to 3,000 employees, up from about 900, five years ago.
Epic Systems over the years
Giant cranes mark the site of Campus 2. Photographed Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at Epic Systems in Verona, Wis. Construction continues on “campus 2”. WSJ/John Maniaci (Published caption 6/28/08) Cranes mark the site of Campus 2 in April, an expansion by Epic Systems under the direction of contractor J.P. Cullen & Sons Inc.
Epic Systems over the years
Aerial view of newly constructed building on Epic Systems campus in Verona. photo by Mike DeVries (Published 9/19/07) Epic System Corp.’s new learning center, with its giant “Epicenter” theater, welcomed for the first time clients gathering this week for the firm’s annual Users Group Meeting. The snaking learning center is part of the company’s growing Verona headquarters. PUBLISHED CAPTION 10-22-08 Epic Systems, Verona. Estimated value: $45 million (phase one) TIF assistance: $18 million.
Epic Systems over the years
Epic System campus, Verona, Wis., November 3, 2006. Joseph W. Jackson III – State Journal (PUBLISHED 11/12/06) Glass-enclosed walkways connect the first six buildings of Epic’s new campus at 1979 Milky Way, Verona.
Epic Systems over the years
The Epic Systems campus in Verona is one of the area’s largest employers and a leader in the Madison region’s booming tech economy.
Epic Systems over the years
The Epic Systems campus in Verona is one of the area’s largest employers and a leader in the Madison region’s booming tech economy. A new study finds the area is a national leader in the growth of technology jobs.
Epic Systems over the years
The Epic Systems campus in Verona, Wis.
Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
