Epic launches diagnostic image exchange tool for clinicians

Epic has released Care Everywhere Diagnostic Image Exchange, a tool designed to allow clinicians at connected health systems to retrieve diagnostic-quality medical images, such as CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs, with a single click. The technology aims to bridge a long-standing gap in healthcare interoperability where high-resolution diagnostic images often remained trapped in standalone Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), forcing patients to manually transport data on physical CDs.

The new capability uses open image-sharing standards to move full-resolution files directly between archiving systems. This integration allows providers to use reference-quality previews to identify necessary studies before pulling the complete, high-fidelity DICOM series into their local viewing environment. By providing immediate access to prior images, the system also integrates with Epic’s duplicate-order checks to help prevent unnecessary repeat scans.

Matt Doyle, Epic’s director of interoperability, stated that the company is advocating for the federal government’s national interoperability framework, TEFCA, to adopt these same open standards. Such a move would potentially allow any health system in the country to exchange diagnostic images seamlessly.