Labcorp expands Epic collaboration to integrate full diagnostic test menu through Aura platform. Labcorp has announced an expanded collaboration with Epic Systems aimed at improving how hospitals and health systems access laboratory testing services through electronic health record (EHR) workflows. Under the expanded agreement, Labcorp's full diagnostic test menu will become available through Epic's Aura platform, enabling clinicians to order tests and receive results directly within existing Epic workflows. The move is expected to simplify laboratory integrations, reduce operational complexity for health systems and improve access to advanced diagnostics nationwide. What the expanded collaboration includes? The integration builds on the existing availability of Invitae genetic tests through Epic Aura. With the expansion, hospitals and health systems using Epic will gain access to: * Labcorp's full diagnostic testing menu * Newly introduced laboratory tests * Advanced and specialty diagnostics * Integrated ordering and reporting workflows According to the companies, the collaboration is designed to streamline the process of connecting healthcare systems with external laboratory providers. Reducing IT complexity for health systems. Healthcare organizations often face significant technical and operational challenges when integrating laboratory systems with EHR platforms. These projects can involve: * Lengthy onboarding timelines * High implementation costs * Complex interface management * Ongoing maintenance requirements By leveraging Epic's Aura platform, the companies say the integration will reduce much of that burden through standardized connectivity and centralized content management. The goal is to shorten implementation timelines while minimizing maintenance and administrative overhead for hospitals and health systems. Seamless lab ordering within clinical workflows. One of the key advantages of the expanded integration is improved workflow efficiency for clinicians and care teams. Through Aura, clinicians will be able to: * Order Labcorp tests directly within Epic * Receive discrete laboratory results inside patient records * Reduce manual data entry * Minimize workflow disruptions and workarounds The integration is intended to help clinicians order appropriate tests more efficiently while improving access to diagnostic information within routine patient care workflows. Improving Access to advanced diagnostics. The collaboration also expands access to Labcorp's evolving portfolio of advanced diagnostics and specialty testing services. According to Labcorp, health systems using Epic will be able to access new tests as they are introduced without requiring separate integration projects. This could be particularly valuable in areas such as: * Genetic testing * Precision medicine * Oncology diagnostics * Specialized biomarker testing * Rare disease screening Leadership perspectives. Bryan Vaughn, executive vice president and president of Diagnostics at Labcorp, said the expanded collaboration reflects the company's broader strategy of supporting the changing needs of hospitals and health systems. According to Vaughn, simplifying laboratory integration while embedding Labcorp's test menu directly into Epic workflows creates a stronger foundation for future diagnostic innovation. Meanwhile, Sumit Rana, president of Epic Systems, stated that the expanded use of Aura will help clinicians order the correct tests more efficiently and enable patients to receive faster diagnostic answers. Why this matters? Laboratory diagnostics play a critical role in modern healthcare decision-making, but fragmented systems and disconnected workflows often create inefficiencies for providers. The expanded Labcorp-Epic integration addresses several major industry challenges, including: * Interoperability between laboratories and EHR systems * Administrative burden on healthcare providers * Delays in diagnostic workflows * Access to advanced testing capabilities As healthcare systems increasingly prioritize integrated digital workflows and precision medicine, partnerships between laboratory providers and EHR companies are becoming strategically important. Growing importance of ehr-integrated diagnostics. The collaboration also highlights a broader trend toward tighter integration between diagnostics companies and healthcare technology platforms. By embedding laboratory services directly within clinical workflows, healthcare organizations aim to: * Improve care coordination * Reduce operational inefficiencies * Accelerate diagnostic decision-making * Enhance patient outcomes For Labcorp, the partnership further strengthens its position in the rapidly evolving digital diagnostics ecosystem, while expanding the reach of its testing portfolio across hospitals and health systems using Epic nationwide.

Freeman Health System selects health care software Epic as new electronic health record system. (Joplin, MO) - Ensuring a more seamless patient experience for decades to come, Freeman Health System has selected health care software leader Epic as its next-generation electronic health record (EHR) system. Epic features innovative tools like MyChart for patient engagement, AI-driven analytics, telehealth, and specialized modules for cardiology or oncology, as examples. Previously, Freeman utilized Meditech software as its EHR vendor. The region's largest healthcare provider expects to roll out Epic system-wide on October 24, 2026. "Epic will allow us to streamline workflows and documentation, improve access to information, and ensure our patients and providers are supported by a system designed to meet today's needs and tomorrow's challenges," said Freeman's Chief Information Officer Matthew Sabus. Once operational, Epic will serve as a single, integrated platform for clinical and administrative workflows across Freeman Health System, which includes four hospitals, behavioral health giant Ozark Center, and numerous primary, urgent, and specialty clinics across three states. Health systems like Freeman are switching to Epic - the nation's largest EHR vendor with more than 325 million patients having a current record in its system - to enhance patient care, streamline operations, improve clinician well-being, and provide a simpler healthcare experience for the communities they serve. "This decision is a major milestone in our journey to provide compassionate, coordinated care that is powered by innovation," Sabus said. Electronic health records systematically collect patient and population health information in digital format, with the capability of safely sharing these records across various healthcare settings. Freeman's anticipated switch to Epic, Sabus said, "is the beginning of something truly transformative for our patients, our providers, and our entire health system." About Freeman Health System: Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center - the area's largest provider of behavioral health services - as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children's services, women's services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children's Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com. Reference: Kevin McClintock, Media Relations Coordinator Freeman Health System 417.434.3458 [email protected]

American hospitals are rolling out AI chatbots in patient portals as more people seek health advice from large language models. Hartford HealthCare and K Health's PatientGPT is expanding to tens of thousands of patients this week, whilst Epic's Emmie chatbot is being deployed by systems including Sutter Health and Reid Health. A KFF poll found one in three American adults have used AI chatbots for health information, with 19 per cent citing inability to afford care. However, a Nature Medicine study showed chatbots correctly identified medical conditions only 33 per cent of the time when users created their own prompts, compared with 95 per cent accuracy in controlled scenarios. Experts question whether chatbots improve patient outcomes, with concerns about monitoring, liability and whether this addresses underlying care gaps in America's underperforming healthcare system.