At iNTERFACEWARE, we understand the challenges of Epic integration.
With the Iguana Integration Engine's comprehensive support of all of Epic's interface types, we eliminate complexity and ensure compatibility. This enables smooth data exchange between your systems and Epic.
Key Considerations for Epic EHR Integration
Before embarking on the technical aspects of Epic integration, it's crucial to consider the following factors in order to effectively plan and execute the integration:
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Determine the Integration Direction
Are you accessing patient data from Epic or sending it to Epic? Understanding the direction of integration will help shape the integration strategy.
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Identify the Data Type
Different data formats often require specific transport protocols and have distinct endpoints. Clearly define the type of data (message format) you will be integrating to ensure seamless data exchange.
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Obtain the Epic Implementation Guide
The implementation guide from Epic is a vital resource for successful integration as it provides essential technical specifications. It outlines the data format – understanding the data types and structure is essential for navigating messages and mappings. It also provides the required transport protocols (how the data will be exchanged) and security considerations (such as VPN, TLS, authentication credentials). Lastly, sample data can also be obtained to aid in building the interface.
The Epic implementation guide serves as your roadmap, guiding you through the integration process. Knowing how to define the data types, structures, and mappings, as well as the transport protocols needed is essential to get started. Then you’ll be able to utilize the Iguana Integration Engine to configure and build the interfaces required to connect to Epic systems.
Streamlined Epic Integration Using Iguana
When connecting to Epic, there can be many options, each highly dependent on your situation and the implementation guide for your specific setup. The Iguana integration engine supports various connection components, making it easier to integrate with Epic. Iguana effortlessly handles Epic EMR integration, regardless of whether you are working with an HL7 feed, batch files, custom APIs or database connections:
Pre-built Templates For Every Type of Connection:
Message Feed
TCP/IP (LLP)
TCP/IP is one of Epic's most commonly used protocols, widely-used for the transfer of a stream of HL7 messages via an LLP feed. The interface can function as a server (listening on a port for data from Epic) or as a client (sending data from your desired source to Epic).
Iguana simplifies the setup process by providing prebuilt LLP source and destination components that ensure quick and straightforward Epic integration.
Batch Files
SFTP
SFTP enables you to connect to Epic when intermittently transfering individual files and batches of files. When connecting via SFTP, your interface can pull files from Epic’s SFTP server, or send files to that server.
Iguana offers prebuilt File source and destination components that enable seamless SFTP connections with Epic. This component handles effortless file exchange from any local directory.
APIs
HTTPS (Web Services)
As healthcare interoperability embraces HL7 FHIR and web services, HTTPS connections are increasingly vital when integrating with Epic. Whether you’re requesting FHIR resources or any data format like JSON or XML, you may need to connect via an API. For example, a patient portal that is a FHIR-based health app would require a FHIR API to connect with Epic. Iguana provides an HTTPS component for seamless API integration, with prebuilt modules for web service authentication and requests.
Whether you're pulling data from Epic or sending data to Epic via APIs, Iguana simplifies the connection and allows you to precisely customize your API integration.
Database
OCI/ODBC
When it comes to accessing data from Epic's database, Iguana offers a convenient solution. Our pre-built Database Connection module provides a reliable and simplified process that can easily be adapted to connect to any database via OCI and ODBC. This module automatically handles database connections and re-connections, and improves performance by keeping the connection open between queries.
Leverage the power of Iguana's Database Connection module to seamlessly connect to Epic's database and efficiently retrieve the information you need.
The Iguana Advantage for Epic Integration
By using the Iguana integration engine for your Epic EHR integration, you will benefit from:
- A user-friendly, efficient integration process
- Support for various transport protocols
- Pre-built components for rapid setup
- Full customization and control
- Expert guidance from our integration specialists
Don't let the complexity of Epic EHR integration hold you back. Utilize the power of the Iguana integration engine to facilitate the creation of interfaces and seamlessly connect with Epic.
