Epic, a global leader in electronic health record (EHR) technology, has recently taken a notable step forward by expanding its Application Programme Interfaces (APIs) for healthcare app developers. Now freely available, these APIs empower developers to create solutions that support a more personalised, patient-centred approach to healthcare. This initiative provides developers with comprehensive access to patient data, promoting seamless data exchange and enabling the integration of social and demographic factors essential for delivering holistic care.
Enhanced Interoperability for Personalised Care
At the core of Epic’s API expansion lies a commitment to interoperability, enabling different healthcare systems to work together by sharing and integrating information. The new APIs support version 3 of the United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI v3), a framework designed to promote the accessibility and exchange of critical patient data across various healthcare settings. This integration facilitates the exchange of traditional medical information and incorporates data crucial to understanding each patient’s unique context. For instance, developers can now access data points such as tribal affiliation, disability status, caregiver relationships and preferred language, creating opportunities to better address the needs of patients from diverse backgrounds.
In addition to enhancing patient demographic data, Epic’s expanded APIs incorporate information about Social Drivers of Health (SDOH). SDOH, encompassing factors like socioeconomic status, education and community resources, is significant in health outcomes. With these APIs, developers can now design applications capable of identifying a patient’s specific social needs and connecting them to relevant services, such as referrals to shelters, food banks or transport support programmes. This ability to connect clinical care with community resources brings personalisation to patient care that addresses both health and social challenges. For instance, an app could proactively notify a health coach if a patient is at risk of food insecurity, enabling the coach to take timely action and connect the patient with local resources, thereby improving their quality of life and health outcomes.
Free Access for App Developers
Epic’s decision to provide these APIs at no cost through its platform, open.epic.com, highlights its commitment to democratising access to essential healthcare data and promoting innovation across the health technology landscape. The platform, launched in 2014, now boasts over 700 industry-standard interoperability technologies, serving as a resource for developers seeking to create impactful applications. In the past year alone, open.epic.com facilitated over 500 billion data exchanges, underscoring its role as a pivotal connector within the healthcare ecosystem. By providing free, self-service access to these APIs, Epic is opening the door for a diverse array of developers—from established health tech companies to small start-ups—to develop tailored solutions that can make a real difference in patients’ lives.
The availability of these APIs at no cost is crucial for smaller developers lacking resources for advanced data integration. By reducing this barrier, Epic promotes a more inclusive healthcare innovation environment. Smaller companies and independent developers can now create applications for niche needs or underserved populations, facilitating rapid experimentation and development of health solutions that meet real-world patient needs. This open approach positions Epic as a leader in advancing a collaborative digital health ecosystem.
Commitment to Interoperability Standards
Epic's early alignment with USCDI v3, well before the December 2025 federal requirement, highlights its commitment to interoperability. By adopting these standards, Epic ensures that its technology ecosystem meets the needs of healthcare providers and patients. This compliance facilitates the consistent exchange of key information across different EHR platforms, simplifying providers' work and ensuring reliable patient care.
Additionally, Epic is involved in initiatives like the USCDI+Cancer programme and the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), promoting secure data exchange throughout healthcare. The company's commitment to expanding its APIs in line with future USCDI versions reflects its dedication to continuous improvement and adaptability, reinforcing its leadership in the EHR space.
Epic’s expanded API offerings significantly advance healthcare technology, enabling developers to create applications that meet both clinical and social patient needs. By promoting interoperability and providing free access to vital data, Epic fosters a collaborative, patient-centred environment that aligns with regulatory standards and enhances data accessibility in healthcare. As Epic continues to grow its API library and support USCDI, both developers and healthcare providers will benefit, paving the way for a more personalised and connected healthcare future.
Source: HIT Consultant
Image Credit: iStock
