What defines an "Encounter" in the context of Epic?

In the context of Epic, an "Encounter" is defined as any interaction where services are rendered and documented. This definition encompasses a variety of situations where a patient receives care, including office visits, hospital stays, or any other healthcare services where there is a documentation of the interaction.

This comprehensive definition emphasizes the importance of both the rendering of services and the subsequent documentation, which is a critical component of healthcare record-keeping and billing processes. By documenting the interaction, healthcare providers ensure that all aspects of the patient's care are recorded for both clinical purposes and billing requirements.

In contrast, interactions focusing solely on billing do not encompass the care aspect, while a set of scheduled appointments can occur without any actual patient care being provided during those times. Additionally, a patient's medical history over a year does not reflect specific instances of care but rather a summary of past encounters, making it a distinct concept from what is defined as an "Encounter."