Since its founding in 1979 by Judith Faulkner in a Madison, Wisconsin basement, Epic Systems has grown from a small medical software startup into one of the world’s leading healthcare technology companies. Still privately held and guided by Faulkner’s long-term vision, Epic’s philosophy centers on building software that improves client outcomes by giving clinical teams access to integrated and reliable data. Its campus, an imaginative, storybook-like complex in Verona, Wisconsin, symbolizes Epic’s belief that innovation thrives in creativity and purpose. Today Epic supports over 300 million client records worldwide and remains the electronic health record (EHR) of choice for most the nation’s top hospitals and academic medical centers.
When United Indian Health Services, Inc. (UIHS) decided to modernize its electronic health record system, we had several pathways to join the Epic community. We could have contracted directly with Epic, partnered through an affiliated hospital or health system, or joined a collaborative organization that manages Epic on behalf of community health partners. After careful evaluation, we chose to partner with OCHIN, a national nonprofit collaborative that provides health information technology, data, and analytic services to community-based care organizations like ours.
OCHIN has decades of experience implementing Epic across federally qualified health centers, tribal health systems, and rural clinics. Its mission aligns with ours, improving access to high-quality, equitable healthcare through shared technology and data-driven collaboration. By joining OCHIN, UIHS gains access not just to Epic’s robust EHR platform but also to a powerful network of like-minded, including tribal, health organizations dedicated to improving population health outcomes and closing care gaps.
“MyChart gives clients instant access to their health information including lab results, visit summaries, medications, and more, all in one place.“
This transition marks perhaps the most significant technological investment in UIHS history. Epic’s comprehensive and intuitive platform enables us to deliver more coordinated, informed, and efficient care. Our clinicians have unparalleled access to clinical data, empowering better decision-making and reducing errors. Streamlined workflows minimize administrative burdens, allowing providers to focus more fully on clients. Epic’s interoperability enhances communication across care teams and ensures our clients’ health information follows them wherever they go.
In addition, Epic’s widespread adoption across medical training programs means that most new clinicians joining UIHS are already familiar with the system. This familiarity not only accelerates onboarding but also serves as a recruitment and retention advantage. By investing in a platform that clinicians trust and prefer using, we are investing in the satisfaction, efficiency, and longevity of our workforce.
This transition required a massive commitment from our staff to complete. All departments at UIHS were affected. We completed around 20,000 hours of training alone in anticipation of the transition. The level of commitment to our community and the interdepartmental effort were truly inspirational. It takes a village to change EHRs.
Equally transformative is the introduction of MyChart, Epic’s secure client portal. MyChart gives clients instant access to their health information including lab results, visit summaries, medications, and more, all in one place. Through MyChart, you can send messages to your care team, request appointments or prescription refills, review educational materials, and stay actively engaged in your health journey. We encourage all UIHS clients to take advantage of this new level of connection and transparency. Simply scan the adjacent QR code to get started and experience how technology and tradition can come together to support your health anytime, anywhere.
The bottom line is that UIHS has made a strategic, forward-looking investment to bring our health system into alignment with the highest standards of modern healthcare. The Epic transition represents more than a software upgrade. It’s a commitment to data-driven excellence, client empowerment, and the health of our tribal communities for generations to come.