Epic unveils expanded set of APIs for healthcare app developers

Leading healthcare software maker Epic announced that it now fully supports version 3 of the United States Core Data for Interoperability standards (USCDI v3) — more than a year ahead of the federal government's deadline for doing so.

To that end, the company expanded the set of Application Program Interfaces (APIs) for app developers at no charge, enabling seamless data exchange and enhancing personalized patient care.

How does it work?

Epic's integration of USCDI v3 provides healthcare app developers with an expanded set of free Application Program Interfaces (APIs). These APIs enable apps to access crucial data elements like tribal affiliation, disability status, caregiver relationships, and preferred language. This enriched data set supports interventions tied to Social Drivers of Health, such as connecting patients to resources like homeless shelters or food banks.

As Mike Pontillo, Implementation Executive at Epic, puts it: "Reliable access to Social Drivers of Health will make a real difference in people's lives."

For instance, a health coach app can proactively assist patients by offering services like transportation or food assistance based on the newly accessible data.

These APIs are accessible through open.epic.com, a public library of over 700 industry-standard interoperability tools. Since its inception in 2014, this platform has facilitated more than 500 billion data exchanges in the past year alone.

Why does it matter?

The early adoption of USCDI v3 standards positions Epic as a frontrunner in fostering interoperability. Personalized care relies on comprehensive data exchange, and Epic's support for Social Drivers of Health ensures that critical factors influencing health outcomes are not overlooked. By advancing these capabilities ahead of federal mandates, Epic empowers healthcare providers to deliver timely and holistic care.

Beyond USCDI v3, Epic also supports initiatives like USCDI+Cancer and TEFCA, further driving innovation in areas such as cancer care and nationwide data exchange. These developments underscore the importance of unified standards in improving healthcare outcomes.

The context

Founded in 1979, Epic has grown from a basement startup into the leading Electronic Health Record (EHR) software developer in the U.S., supporting over 2,700 hospitals and serving 190 million patients globally. With its latest efforts in interoperability, Epic continues to fulfill its mission of helping people stay well and supporting future generations' health.

Looking ahead, Epic plans to integrate support for future iterations of USCDI, ensuring that its platform remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation. As the federal government expands interoperability requirements, Epic's proactive approach ensures that healthcare providers and patients alike benefit from reliable and safe data sharing.