St. Luke's $200 million Epic electronic health record system has become a key point in the Boise, Idaho-based system's defense in an ongoing antitrust trial.
St. Luke's is facing litigation from the Federal Trade Commission and two area hospitals, alleging St. Luke's acquisition of an independent physician practice would give the system an unfair advantage in the regional market.
Lawyers representing St. Luke's have been arguing the Epic system is better than other EHR systems currently in use and is evidence of St. Luke's efforts to increase care coordination. The investment by St. Luke's has been touted in court as a reason healthcare delivery in the area will improve following the acquisition of Saltzer Medical Group, according to a report in the Idaho Statesman.
The system expects the EHR to be fully rolled out by 2017, according to the report.
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