Accelerating Lab Test Ordering with Epic Integration A Scalable Strategy for Healthcare Connectivity

BigRio was brought in to conduct a comprehensive discovery and feasibility assessment, guiding the strategic direction for portal implementation and technical design.

1. Evaluation of Portal Delivery Models

   BigRio assessed four potential implementation approaches:

   • Epic MyChart Extension
   • Third-Party Platforms (Bridge, Caspio, Clinked)
   • Custom Portal Development
   • Provider-Facing EMR Portal Only (no patient access)

   Each model was compared across critical dimensions such as:

   • Patient experience & usability
   • Branding control and flexibility
   • HIPAA compliance & data security
   • Technical complexity & integration feasibility
   • Total cost of ownership

   After evaluating test ordering, result delivery, and status update capabilities across these models, Epic Aura emerged as the most efficient and scalable solution.

   Key reasons included:

   • Native integration with Epic EMRs
   • Compatibility with Care Everywhere, Beaker, and Bridges
   • Streamlined maintenance through Epic-supported updates

   BigRio recommended Epic Aura as the foundational architecture for long-term interoperability.

2. Build & Onboarding Strategy
   
   To address the time and cost of onboarding new provider organizations, BigRio used the “Accelerate” Model—an Epic-standardized build that allows the client’s services to be rapidly activated across institutions with minimal customization.

   BigRio’s Accelerate Model:

   • Reduces integration lead times
   • Enables consistent onboarding experiences
   • Supports scalability across diverse Epic clients

   BigRio provided a tailored implementation playbook detailing steps for activation using Epic’s existing frameworks.

3. Multi-EMR Interoperability Assessment
   
   Recognizing the diversity of its client base, the client also required a strategy for non-Epic EMR systems.

   BigRio evaluated:

   • FHIR endpoints for modern EMR platforms
   • HL7 v2 interfaces for legacy systems
   • SSO-enabled portals for secure, credentialed access

   Each approach was assessed based on its ability to:

   • Support real-time test ordering
   • Enable transparent result tracking
   • Ensure secure and compliant data exchange

   A multi-pronged interoperability strategy was proposed, aligned with the client’s scalability goals.

4. Ordering Workflow Analysis & Data Exchange Mapping

   To ensure seamless end-to-end integration, BigRio analyzed the client’s internal lab workflows, mapping:

   • Order intake points across provider channels
   • Data touchpoints within the client’s LIMS
   • Result generation and reporting mechanisms

   Based on this, BigRio designed bidirectional integration pathways to support:

   • Real-time order placement
   • Status update feeds
   • Final result delivery directly into EMRs

5. Infrastructure, Hosting & Compliance Recommendations

   BigRio conducted a forward-looking assessment of infrastructure and compliance requirements:

   • Compared cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) for HIPAA-compliant hosting
   • Proposed encryption models and access control mechanisms
   • Defined a DevSecOps approach for secure, vendor-neutral code delivery
   • Proposed a set of infrastructure and DevOps best practices tailored to the client’s compliance and scalability needs.

   The proposed architecture ensures data fidelity while minimizing manual interventions.