Enhancing the Patient Experience: SCRMC’s Adoption of AI Through Epic 

Every news source, influencer and industry leader seems to be talking about artificial intelligence, and its intrinsic ability to improve lives. It is no surprise, therefore, that AI offers significant advantages in the field of health care. SCRMC, is embracing AI, recognizing that it can help the organization ensure quality, improve efficiency, and leverage the hospital’s resources.  

SCRMC is in the final stages of its transition to Epic, the organization’s new patient electronic health record system. The Epic system, with its expanding suite of AI tools, provides practical solutions to help streamline health care. Below are some of the most meaningful ways AI is transforming the health care experience for clinicians, staff and patients.  

Streamlines Documentation and Reduces Administrative Burden 

One of the most significant advantages of AI within Epic is the reduction of time spent on documentation. With tools such as Epic’s ambient note generators and AI-powered dictation, South Central clinicians can interact with patients more naturally while the system builds structured documentation in real time. These tools allow providers to spend more time being present and engaged with patients in the exam room. 

Benefits include: 

• Less time clicking and typing, which gives more face-to-face time with patients 

• Higher accuracy and clarity in clinical notes 

• Decreased burnout from administrative tasks 

 

Enhances Patient Engagement and Communication 

AI-driven features in Epic MyChart help create a more responsive and personalized patient experience. Epic uses AI to send automated reminders or follow-up information, which helps patients stay involved in their own care. These enhancements lead to stronger patient satisfaction and better clinical outcomes. 

Key advantages: 

• Direct and timely communication with a nurse  

• Improved follow-up compliance 

• Personalized educational materials based on patient history 

 

Uses Data Integration to Provide More Personalized Care 

Epic’s AI tools can synthesize information across the entire care continuum including primary care, specialty care, lab systems, imaging and pharmacy, to deliver a holistic view of the patient. 

This creates opportunities for: 

• Clinicians can intervene earlier and make decisions based on a fuller clinical picture. 

• Tailored treatment plans 
• More accurate risk stratification

 

Improves Clinical Decision Making 

Epic’s AI capabilities provide intelligent clinical insights by analyzing massive amounts of data including lab results, vital signs, medical history and more, to guide clinicians with evidence-based suggestions. By highlighting patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed, AI supports more proactive care 

This results in: 

• Early detection of deterioration or risk factors through predictive modeling 

• More consistent adherence to clinical guidelines 

 

Provides Valuable Analytics for Population Health 

Epic’s AI algorithms can identify trends across populations, helping health systems manage chronic diseases, allocate resources efficiently and close care gaps. 

Examples include: 

• Predicting which patients are at high risk for readmission 

• Segmenting populations for targeted preventive care 

• Identifying social determinants of health that influence outcomes 

 

Increased Day-to-Day Operational Efficiency 

Hospitals and clinics using Epic benefit from AI tools that optimize workflows. This helps daily operations run smoother, increasing patient satisfaction.  

Improvements may include: 

• Predicting peak volume times 

• Optimizing appointment scheduling 

• Reducing wait times and bottlenecks 

• Streamlining prior authorization processes 

As the countdown to Epic continues, SCRMC becomes closer each day to embracing a future where AI enhances every step of the health care journey. The future really is here, and SCRMC is embracing it in an effort to improve lives.