STAT investigation finds Epic's data grip is stifling health tech innovation

· Health · United States

A STAT investigation found that Epic Systems selectively withholds access to patient data, disadvantaging rival software developers and stymying innovation in health technology. The reporting describes how the company's market dominance over hospital electronic health records shapes which outside tools and AI products hospitals can adopt, and STAT is asking people with direct knowledge to share how Epic's actions affect hospitals' technology choices. The findings land as health systems weigh investments in AI, where access to clinical data is a prerequisite. Epic's grip on hospital records has long been a subject of debate among developers, and the investigation adds scrutiny as regulators and lawmakers examine competition in health care technology.

Why it matters：If one EHR vendor can decide who accesses clinical data, it effectively sets the pace of AI adoption across hospitals, a competitive question now drawing attention from regulators and lawmakers.

Key points

  • STAT reported Epic selectively withholds patient data access from rival developers.
  • The reporting links Epic's market dominance to slower AI adoption in health tech.
  • STAT is soliciting accounts from people with direct knowledge of hospital technology decisions.

Sources (original reporting)

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