What Does an Epic Analyst Do?

An Epic Analyst plays a significant role within healthcare organizations by specializing in the Epic software system, a leading electronic health record (EHR) platform. This professional is tasked with customizing, supporting, and maintaining the Epic system to meet the unique needs of the organization, ensuring that patient information is accurately recorded, stored, and easily accessible to authorized healthcare providers. Through their expertise, they facilitate smooth communication between clinical and IT departments, optimizing the functionality of the EHR system to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Their contributions are essential for the seamless integration of technology in healthcare settings, enabling providers to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks.

Epic Analyst Job Duties

• Implement and configure Epic modules according to the specific needs and workflows of healthcare organizations, ensuring optimal functionality and user experience.
• Perform rigorous testing of the Epic system, including unit, integration, and user acceptance testing, to identify and rectify any issues before full-scale deployment.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for system configurations, customizations, and processes to support ongoing operations and future modifications.
• Facilitate training sessions for end-users, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, to ensure proficient use of the Epic system for daily tasks.
• Collaborate with clinical and business stakeholders to analyze and translate complex requirements into functional system designs, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
• Manage data migration projects, ensuring the accurate and secure transfer of patient and administrative information from legacy systems to the Epic platform.
• Customize and develop interfaces and reports within Epic, utilizing tools like Chronicles, Hyperspace, and Clarity, to meet the unique reporting needs of the organization.
• Investigate and resolve advanced technical issues, providing tier-3 support for users experiencing complex problems with the Epic system, including troubleshooting and liaising with Epic Corporation for issue resolution.

Epic Analyst Salary & Outlook

An Epic Analyst’s salary is influenced by factors such as years of experience in healthcare IT, depth of expertise in specific Epic modules (e.g., EpicCare, Ambulatory), the complexity of projects handled, and the size of the healthcare organization. Additionally, roles involving leadership or project management responsibilities command higher salaries.

• Median Annual Salary: $110,250 ($53/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $215,000 ($103.37/hour)

The employment of epic analysts is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of Epic Systems software in healthcare for electronic medical records management. As hospitals and clinics expand their digital infrastructure, the demand for Epic Analysts, skilled in configuring, supporting, and optimizing this specific platform, surges to ensure efficient patient care and data security.

Epic Analyst Job Requirements

Education: An Epic Analyst typically holds a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree, with a significant number also possessing Master’s degrees or Post-Baccalaureate Certificates. Preferred fields of study include Health Information Management, Computer Science, Nursing, or related healthcare and IT disciplines. Coursework often encompasses data analysis, healthcare systems, information technology, and project management. Advanced degrees may focus on specialized areas like healthcare informatics or administration, enhancing analytical and technical skills relevant to managing Epic systems in healthcare settings.

Experience: Epic Analysts typically come from backgrounds with hands-on experience in healthcare IT, particularly in using or implementing Epic systems. Ideal candidates have undergone on-the-job training or participated in formal training programs focused on Epic software. Their experience often spans working in clinical settings to understand workflow and user needs, as well as in IT departments, developing technical solutions. Successful analysts blend their knowledge of healthcare operations with technical skills to optimize Epic system performance, requiring a mix of direct system use and project management experience.

Certifications & Licenses: Epic Analyst positions typically require certification in specific Epic modules relevant to the job role, obtained through Epic Systems Corporation. No general licenses are needed, but Epic certification is often essential and must be maintained through periodic re-certification.

Epic Analyst Skills

Epic Certification: Analysts gain the ability to configure, troubleshoot, and optimize healthcare software solutions through this certification. Efficient and secure management of patient data enhances support for healthcare providers and integrates analysts into the healthcare IT ecosystem.

Workflow Analysis: By dissecting the sequence of operations within healthcare systems, analysts identify inefficiencies and propose optimized solutions. They examine user interactions with the Epic system to streamline patient care and administrative processes.

Custom Reporting: Analysts use their understanding of Epic’s database structures and reporting tools like Crystal Reports and Caboodle to create tailored reports. This skill allows for the translation of complex healthcare data into actionable insights, improving patient care and operational efficiency.

System Configuration: Analysts customize Epic’s software to meet the unique needs of healthcare organizations. They adjust settings and options to optimize workflows and user experiences, responding to changing healthcare protocols and user feedback.

Data Privacy Compliance: Analysts ensure patient data managed through Epic systems complies with HIPAA and other privacy regulations. They configure privacy settings, control access, audit data logs, and update systems to maintain compliance with data protection laws.

Interoperability Standards: By adhering to specific protocols and standards, analysts facilitate seamless communication and data exchange across various healthcare systems. Their work in configuring and optimizing Epic systems supports efficient interoperability, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.

Epic Analyst Work Environment

An Epic Analyst typically operates within a healthcare setting, where the ambiance leans towards a professional yet supportive atmosphere. The workspace is often a blend of personal offices and open-plan areas equipped with computers and multiple monitors, essential for navigating the complex Epic software system. This role demands a high level of interaction, not just with the technology but also with healthcare professionals, to tailor the Epic system to meet specific needs.

Work hours can extend beyond the typical nine-to-five, especially during system upgrades or implementations, requiring a degree of flexibility. The dress code mirrors the professional environment, leaning towards business casual. The pace is steady, with peaks around project milestones.

The role is predominantly onsite to facilitate direct collaboration, though some tasks may allow for remote work. Professional development is a continuous aspect, with opportunities for training and certification to stay abreast of Epic’s evolving features. The work-life balance is acknowledged, with efforts to accommodate personal needs while ensuring the system’s efficiency and reliability.

Advancement Prospects

Epic Analysts have a clear trajectory for advancement within healthcare IT, focusing on system optimization and project management. Progressing from an entry-level analyst, one can aspire to become a Senior Epic Analyst, overseeing more complex projects and mentoring junior staff.

With experience, moving into roles such as Epic Project Manager or Epic Consultant is common, where responsibilities shift towards full-scale implementation projects and strategic advisory for healthcare organizations.

Specialization in specific Epic modules can also lead to niche roles, such as an Epic Beacon Analyst for oncology applications, enhancing career prospects by becoming an expert in a particular domain.

Achieving such advancements requires a deep understanding of Epic systems, healthcare workflows, and a track record of successful project delivery. Engaging in high-impact projects and demonstrating leadership capabilities are crucial steps towards these career goals.