Introduction to Epic’s Latest Innovations
Electronic health record software giant Epic Systems unveiled groundbreaking new app developer tools and interoperability features during its Open@Epic conference, marking a significant advancement in healthcare data sharing. The developer-focused event, attended by over 1,000 healthcare experts, showcased Epic’s commitment to simplifying data access for both providers and patients while maintaining robust security standards.
The scale of Epic’s interoperability success is remarkable. In the past year alone, more than 745 billion data exchanges took place using Epic’s publicly available application programming interfaces (APIs). This massive volume demonstrates the growing demand for seamless healthcare data sharing across the industry.
The Growing Demand for Healthcare Interoperability
As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, patients and providers need efficient ways to access and share medical information across different systems. Epic’s new features address these challenges by creating standardized pathways for data exchange while prioritizing user experience and security.
MyChart Central: Unified Patient Data Access
One of the most significant announcements was MyChart Central, a revolutionary feature that allows patients to use a single Epic-issued ID to connect their MyChart records across different healthcare providers. This eliminates the frustration of managing multiple login credentials for various healthcare systems.
“The nationwide rollout of MyChart Central is underway and will be completed later this year,” announced Seth Hain, Epic’s senior vice president of R&D. This feature represents a major step forward in patient-centered care coordination.
How MyChart Central Benefits Patients
MyChart Central offers several key advantages:
- Single Sign-On Experience: Patients can access health data from multiple providers using one login credential
- Complete Medical Picture: All health records are consolidated in one accessible location
- Seamless App Integration: Patients can easily connect third-party health apps and devices to their complete medical record
- Built-in Biometric Support: Password-less login using fingerprint or facial recognition technology
“Patients will be able to have one MyChart login that pulls their health data together from the multiple different sites of care, and be able to use that login consistently across organizations,” Hain explained.
Home Device Integration
Epic is also supporting a new Bluetooth Generic Health Sensor specification, enabling patients to connect home monitoring devices like blood pressure cuffs directly to MyChart. This integration allows for continuous health monitoring and better data sharing with healthcare providers.
Enhanced Data Exchange Capabilities
Epic’s commitment to interoperability extends beyond patient access. The company maintains Open.Epic, a comprehensive web portal and ecosystem that provides developers, vendors, and healthcare organizations with self-service tools and documentation for implementing data exchanges with Epic systems.
Currently, Open.Epic provides specifications for more than 800 free APIs, giving developers extensive options for creating innovative healthcare applications and integrations.
New Developer Tools and APIs
Prior Authorization APIs (February 2026)
Epic will roll out additional prior authorization APIs designed to strengthen provider-payer communication. These tools will streamline the often cumbersome authorization process, reducing administrative burden on healthcare providers.
Staff Duress APIs (February 2026)
In response to growing concerns about healthcare worker safety, Epic is releasing staff duress APIs that support location-aware alerts. These APIs enable nurses and clinical staff to quickly summon assistance when their safety is jeopardized.
“This will help make sure that if you’re building applications that address those unfortunate circumstances where clinical staff are under stress, you can both locate them and have the information necessary to quickly address that situation,” Hain explained.
Midmark RTLS, a real-time locating system provider, is already planning to integrate with these APIs. “Together, we’re building safer, more connected care environments where staff can focus on patients, while knowing help is always within reach,” said HT Snowday, senior director at Midmark RTLS.
Clarity Data Model Licensing
Epic announced that the Clarity data model is now available for app developers to license, providing crucial support for developers working on AI, analytics, and population health applications that require population-level data.
Safety and Security Features
Blue Dot Wayfinding (November Release)
Epic plans to introduce real-time “blue dot” wayfinding in MyChart, helping patients navigate complex healthcare facilities. This GPS-like feature will guide patients to their appointments, reducing stress and improving the overall patient experience.
Identity Management Enhancement
Epic is developing new APIs to streamline the identity management and verification process around MyChart, ensuring secure access while maintaining ease of use.
Future Updates and Timeline
Epic is preparing to support United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) v5, which will improve standardized information exchange related to:
- Advanced directives
- Medication adherence tracking
- Diagnostic images sharing
Expanded Developer Resources
Epic has enhanced the app developer experience through several initiatives:
- Five-Step Developer Guide: A comprehensive roadmap from concept to implementation
- 40+ Developer Playbooks: Detailed workflows and technology recommendations for common data exchange scenarios
- Expanded Sandbox Testing: Self-service options for creating test data and reviewing API call results
Conclusion
Epic’s latest innovations represent a significant leap forward in healthcare interoperability and data sharing. By prioritizing both patient experience and developer support, Epic is creating an ecosystem where healthcare data flows seamlessly while maintaining security and privacy standards. As these features roll out through 2026, they promise to transform how patients access their health information and how developers create innovative healthcare solutions.
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