What does the term 'Patient Journey' refer to in Epic?

The term 'Patient Journey' in Epic refers to the comprehensive experience a patient has as they navigate through various stages of care. This encompasses every interaction and encounter from the moment a patient seeks care until they complete their treatment. It involves understanding how a patient progresses through different services and departments, including appointments, evaluations, treatments, and follow-ups. Thus, it highlights the overall patient experience, including how well services are integrated and how smoothly the transitions occur between different stages of care.

Recognizing the importance of the patient journey helps healthcare organizations identify areas for improvement in patient engagement, satisfaction, and outcomes. It ensures that patients feel supported and informed throughout their healthcare experience, which is crucial for effective patient-centered care.

The other options refer to more specific aspects of patient management rather than the overall journey. For example, the billing process, while important, is just one part of the journey rather than the entire experience. Similarly, tracking medications over time is a critical function of care but does not encompass the entirety of interactions a patient may have. Lastly, the history of patient complaints focuses on feedback rather than mapping out the complete experience of care provided.