Arizona Health System In The Red After Epic EHR Adoption

The University of Arizona Health Network is feeling the effects of its decision to implement an EHR from Epic Systems throughout the large health system.

According to a report in the Arizona Daily Star, UA Health has recorded $28.5 million in debt due in large part to its adoption of the Epic EHR, a decision estimated to have cost the health system $115 million but now includes $32 million in unbudgeted costs during the first two and half quarters of its fiscal year ending June 30.

Emily Bregel and Stephanie are reporting that delays in go-live and the need for additional training and support are responsible for the extra costs with the EHR system launch falling two months behind schedule and not occurring until November 2013. Moreover, disruptions to clinical workflows and patient visits were not remedied until February 2014...