FastMed Urgent Care, one of the nation’s largest urgent care providers, has launched Epic, the most widely used and comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) system, in all 29 of its Arizona clinics. With this launch, FastMed becomes the first independent urgent care operator in the nation to implement Epic and become part of the larger healthcare ecosystem, as many major health systems are Epic users. FastMed’s Arizona clinics can now seamlessly and securely share patient medical records with these healthcare organizations and put additional health-related capabilities at its patients’ fingertips.
“Urgent care is the front door to healthcare, and with FastMed now integrated with larger healthcare systems, we are able to improve continuity of care and service for our patients,” said Web Golinkin, CEO of FastMed. “Our investment in Epic sets FastMed apart in urgent care by enabling us to become part of the larger healthcare ecosystem, while enhancing our ability to provide our communities with easy access to high-quality, convenient and affordable healthcare.”
Earlier this month, FastMed and HonorHealth, which also uses Epic and is one of the largest and most respected health systems in Arizona, announced their formation of a joint venture to provide patients seamless integration of care. FastMed’s implementation of Epic increases care options for Arizona urgent care patients when access to higher levels of treatment is required, and the ability to easily and instantaneously share patient records will increase quality and help to lower the overall cost of care.
With Epic, FastMed’s patients also will have immediate access to a variety of features through FastMed MyChart. Using this advanced online system, patients can access health information, schedule and manage appointments, get test results, pay bills, and conveniently perform other health-related functions. Additionally, Epic’s robust telemedicine capabilities will allow FastMed to expand its current telemedicine offering.
“FastMed completed its Epic install in Arizona ahead of schedule while also seeing more patients in their clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Alan Hutchison, Epic’s vice president for population health. “FastMed’s team has been a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to helping them continue to improve services for patients, collaborate with other care providers in their communities, and set new standards for high-quality, affordable urgent care.”
FastMed Urgent Care owns and operates more than 100 clinics in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas that provide a broad range of acute/episodic and preventive healthcare services seven days a week. FastMed also provides workers’ compensation and other occupational health services at all its clinics, and family and sports medicine services at select locations. FastMed has successfully treated more than 6 million patients and is the only independent urgent care operator in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas to be awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety and infection control in ambulatory healthcare.
