As rural hospitals grapple with eroding profits, one Vermont hospital CEO suggested giving hospitals and clinics in the state access to an Epic EHR system, Valley News reported July 21.
On July 15, approximately 30 individuals assembled at the Windsor Welcome Center in Windsor, Vt., for an event aimed at collecting feedback on the issues confronting the state's healthcare systems. Among theattendees was Winfield Brown, CEO and president of Windsor, Vt.-based Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center.
Citing the widespread use of Epic Systems EHR software, which manages nearly half of the nation's patient care records, Mr. Brown highlighted the significant financial investment required to implement this system statewide.
According to Mr. Brown, giving healthcare organizations access to the Epic system would cost Vermont "millions." However, he argued that such a move could also dramatically reduce system inefficiencies, making it a bold idea worth pursuing.
According to the article, in 2023, nine of Vermont's 14 hospitals experienced financial losses.