USF Health converted to the Epic electronic health records (EHR) system in August 2015, springing the organization into a new era of efficiency, patient care and safety, and a more cohesive system with Tampa General Hospital, USF Health’s primary teaching hospital.

On July 1, USF Health will complete the transition to Epic when they launch the electronic billing system (EBS) associated with Epic, a system that will help deliver a much more streamlined and efficient customer service experience.

One of the problems with the current billing system is inconsistency, according to Rachel Sullivan, USF Health director of Revenue Cycle Operations. The new system will better relay information and data from USF Health to the insurance provider to achieve more accurate and timely billing to the patient’s insurance carrier.  The bi-product of more accurate billing to the insurance provider is more accurate and timely billing to the patient allowing them to pay their bills faster, she said.

“For us to continue to provide a better patient experience, we must keep up with the technology,” said Sullivan. “We are committed to delivering the best possible customer service and patient care.  This is simply another step in that commitment.”

The program also interfaces with My Chart, the program patients can use to access all their medical data, manage appointments, pay bills and communicate with their providers.  In the new system, which goes live July 1, USF Health patients will have the ability to set up payment plans, and automatic withdrawals for bills by keeping payment options on file.

Although the new program will be up and running, USF Health’s legacy program will still be live.  Patients who see their provider before July 1 will still be billed using the legacy program.  Those after July 1 will receive their bills through the new EBS.