Implementing a robust electronic health record (EHR) system can be challenging for smaller healthcare organizations, such as community hospitals and clinics, due to cost, complexity, and resource constraints. Epic Sonnet provides core EHR tools like patient charting, scheduling, and billing while offering a streamlined implementation process and lower maintenance requirements.
In this article, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, and use cases for the Epic Sonnet application, highlighting how it delivers the power of Epic’s comprehensive EHR platform in a more accessible and cost-effective package.
Overview of Epic Sonnet EHR
Epic Sonnet is a scaled-down version of Epic Systems’ full electronic health record (EHR) platform, designed specifically for smaller organizations across the healthcare industry, such as community critical access hospitals, clinics, post acute care facilities, and specialty practices. It provides the core functionalities of Epic’s larger EHR system but in a more streamlined and cost-effective package.
The Sonnet application also aims to deliver essential clinical and administrative tools without the complexity and resource demands of the full Epic platform, making it an ideal choice for organizations with limited budgets or IT infrastructure.
Key Features and Benefits
Designed to be more affordable and accelerate implementation times, the Epic Sonnet platform offers a fully integrated inpatient-outpatient EHR with both revenue cycle and patient portal functionality. It also provides a clear and attainable add-on and upgrade path for smaller hospitals and organizations to access the full Epic EHR, support clinical data exchange, and streamline interactions between Epic users. Here’s a closer look at a few key features of the Epic Sonnet EHR platform:
Clinical Workflows
Streamline clinical activity and workflows for inpatient and outpatient care, including medication management and lab results. Leverage integrations with Epic’s MyChart patient portal to facilitate better communication, secure patient engagement, support clinical decision support, and improve overall patient care and safety.
Financial Management
Access comprehensive financial management tools, including revenue cycle management and billing, to support financial assistance and charity care programs for patients. Leverage integrations with Epic’s Payer Platform to establish seamless claims submission processes and streamline payments.
Interoperability and Integration
Maintain compliance with industry standards for data exchange and security and support interoperability with other healthcare systems and vendors through the EpicCare Everywhere network. Leverage integrations with the Epic Community Connect program to allow smaller healthcare organizations to access Epic’s enterprise EHR solutions within their existing technology landscape.
Patient Engagement Portal
Access intelligent Open Scheduling features to support patient self-scheduling, streamline online bill pay, and improve overall engagement. Leverage integrations with Epic’s MyChart patient portal and Care Companion program to facilitate secure engagement and communication across teams and provide personalized health education for end users.
Reporting and Analytics
Access comprehensive reporting and analytics tools, including the Reporting Workbench and SlicerDicer, to support data-driven decisions and drive quality improvement initiatives. Leverage integrations with the Epic Cosmos artificial intelligence tool to deliver predictive analytics and comprehensive insights into key operations.
Benefits for Healthcare Providers
Core functionality
Epic Sonnet focuses on providing the essential tools required for daily operations, such as patient scheduling, charting, billing, and clinical workflows. This targeted approach ensures that organizations access the features they need most without unnecessary hoops to jump through.
Seamless integration
Designed to be a more scaled-down version of the same Epic system, the Sonnet platform seamlessly integrates with the broader Epic ecosystem, including key applications like MyChart, Community Connect, and Reporting Workbench.
This allows organizations to expand their system over time or collaborate with larger healthcare networks already using Epic, ensuring interoperability and data-sharing capabilities across organizational units and systems.
Scalability and flexibility
As organizations grow, Epic Sonnet provides a built-in pathway to upgrade to the full Epic EHR platform. This scalability ensures that healthcare providers can start small and expand their capabilities over time without needing to switch vendors or go through another comprehensive implementation project.
Streamlined patient care
By centralizing essential clinical and administrative functions, Epic Sonnet helps healthcare organizations improve workflow efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance the overall patient experience, even in settings with limited resources.
User-friendly design
Epic Sonnet is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easier for staff to learn and use. The intuitive interface reduces the learning curve for clinicians and administrative teams, helping organizations adopt the system quickly and efficiently.
Cost-effective tools
Epic Sonnet offers a more affordable option for smaller healthcare organizations, allowing them to access Epic’s trusted EHR functionalities without the higher costs associated with the full-scale platform. This makes it ideal for community hospitals, clinics, and specialty physician practices with tighter budgets and more stringent regulations.
Getting Started with Our Team
Whether you need help assessing your current technology landscape to identify key improvement areas, additional support navigating complex integrations between Epic and non-Epic systems, or an extra hand keeping continuous improvement projects on time and within budget, Surety Systems can help.
Our senior-level Epic consultants have the skills and experience to handle your critical project needs and ensure your internal teams are prepared for long-term success and innovation.
Contact Us
For more information about our Epic consulting services or to get started on a project with our team of expert consultants, contact us today.
