VMH’s Leap into EPIC and What Comes Next

Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, Iowa is set to convert to EPIC on Saturday, June 14. This is not just a software update, it marks a strategic shift toward interoperability and data-driven care at a regional level. Supported by over a dozen experts from University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, VMH has spent the past year preparing every department, from billing to emergency services, for this launch. UIHC’s model of annual sponsorship provides dedicated on-site support during go-live week, a best practice increasingly recommended by healthcare transformation experts. By aligning with EPIC, VMH joins a growing network of rural hospitals transitioning to the same digital infrastructure used by major health systems.

One of the most transformative benefits will be seamless record sharing with institutions like Mayo Clinic and Gundersen Health System, reducing redundant testing and streamlining referrals. Data show that hospitals connected via TEFCA-enabled exchanges within EPIC are more likely to reduce duplicate imaging by 20 percent. This real-time interoperability means a physician in Waukon can immediately view imaging and notes from a specialist visit, reducing delays in treatment and enhancing continuity of care.

However, similar transitions have sometimes led to unintended issues; analysis of EHR overhauls highlights that smaller hospitals can face workflow disruptions and billing errors unless training is extensive. A study found that up to 40 percent of hospitals reported increased documentation time during the first 90 days post-conversion. VMH can mitigate these risks by deploying “unit partners” from UIHC, who support frontline clinicians and respond immediately to issues, minimizing patient impact.

Clinician acceptance may be a greater challenge than technical setup. Institutions such as UCSF have emphasized that overlooking provider feedback risks morale decline and rushed adoption. VMH leadership notes it is expecting slower registration initially and emphasizes transparency with patients. They plan to offer clear messaging and post-conversion support, a key element proven by other hospitals to maintain trust during transitions.

Another benefit relates to workforce recruitment and retention—many new nurses and physicians are trained on EPIC during clinical rotation and expect to continue using it professionally. Community hospitals that made this transition have reported smoother onboarding and less turnover among early-career staff. This positions VMH to attract digitally literate clinicians in increasingly competitive rural labor markets.

Success will ultimately hinge on sustained optimization beyond go-live. Metrics such as reduced wait times, lower error rates and active MyChart engagement need to be tracked daily. Case studies from EPIC deployments show that full value emerges only with iterative workflow refinement and regular performance reviews. VMH has an opportunity to establish a digital maturity roadmap using quarterly assessments, continuing technical support from UIHC and stakeholder feedback loops.

VMH’s move to EPIC represents a major shift toward modern, integrated, patient-centered care. If the hospital leverages structured training, data-driven optimization and active clinician engagement, it can bridge the digital divide for rural communities. The real test will come not during go-live week but in how the organization evolves over the next year to sustain and build on these changes.