What Is Epic AI Charting?
Epic launched AI Charting in early February 2025. The tool automatically generates clinical notes using ambient AI technology. It also queues up orders in real time. This release marks a major shift in the ambient clinical documentation market.
Health systems across the country are now exploring and testing the tool. Many are deciding whether to adopt it as their primary AI scribe solution. Epic’s reach as a leading EHR platform gives it a significant advantage in this space.
How Health Systems Are Responding
Mount Nittany Health Plans to Adopt the Tool
Mount Nittany Health, based in State College, Pa., is rolling out Epic in May. Diane Hunt, MD, Chief Health Information Officer, confirmed the organization plans to use Epic AI Charting.
“We do plan to use it,” said Dr. Hunt. “The likelihood that it’s going to be further integrated with ordering and those sorts of functionalities will be well worth the investment.”
Dr. Hunt has already seen demos of the tool. She finds it comparable to Epic-integrated AI scribes available today. However, she sees future EHR connectivity as the true differentiator.
Connectivity to EHR Is the Key Advantage
Dr. Hunt believes the tool’s deeper integration with Epic’s broader EHR system sets it apart. Real-time order queuing and future workflow connections make it more than just a documentation tool. It becomes a clinical decision support asset.
Pricing and Cost Expectations
Epic has not yet revealed its pricing. Dr. Hunt expects the cost to be similar to what Mount Nittany Health currently pays for Microsoft’s Dragon Copilot. She estimates that cost at “a couple hundred dollars per month per provider.”
Pricing is the only factor that could change her decision. Epic has previously stated it will incorporate Microsoft technology into its AI Charting solution. That alignment may help keep costs competitive.
First Organization to Go Live
Group Health Cooperative Leads the Way
Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin became the first organization to go live with Epic AI Charting. The managed care nonprofit is based in Madison and co-developed the tool with Epic, located nearby in Verona, Wis.
Early results are promising. The organization reported savings of up to 60 minutes per clinician per day. Providers also reported improved well-being. Patients reported a better care experience.
These early outcomes signal strong potential for wider adoption across health systems currently evaluating the tool.
What Other Health Systems Are Saying
Penn Medicine Is in Active Discussions
Penn Medicine in Philadelphia is evaluating the tool. Anna Schoenbaum, DNP, RN, Vice President and Chief Digital Applications Officer, confirmed ongoing conversations with Epic.
“We are in discussions with Epic about this innovative tool,” said Schoenbaum. “However, at this moment, we’re not quite ready to share specific details.”
UT Austin Is Watching and Waiting
UT Austin is launching Epic for ambulatory care in April. The inpatient rollout is planned for 2030. Michael Ryan, Chief Healthcare Technology, Digital and Data Strategist, says the timing is not right for a change.
“We have not tried it yet,” said Ryan. “Given our go-live is imminent, we are not introducing changes at this time. Perhaps we will look at it in the future, but no decision yet.”
Other health system IT leaders told Becker’s they are locked into contracts with existing AI scribe vendors. Those contracts prevent them from switching tools in the near term.
What Comes Next for AI Scribes
Epic’s entry into the AI scribe market intensifies competition. Existing vendors like Microsoft Dragon Copilot now face a powerful new rival with deep EHR integration. Health systems will weigh cost, contract terms, and workflow integration when making decisions.
The ambient clinical documentation market is growing fast. AI scribes reduce documentation burden and give clinicians more time with patients. Epic AI Charting could become the dominant solution — especially for health systems already running on Epic’s EHR platform.
