Epic Systems, a medical software giant, has filed a formal dispute with Carequality over data-sharing practices involving Particle Health. While the dispute is ongoing, the majority of Particle Health’s customers are still able to access records from Epic Systems despite the ongoing dispute.
Particle Health acts as a middleman, helping healthcare organizations access the data they need. Both companies are part of Carequality, an interoperability network that facilitates the exchange of patient information on a large scale. Organizations must comply with “Permitted Purposes” to join the Carequality network, primarily related to treatment for the exchange of patient records. Patient data is protected by HIPAA, a federal law that requires patient consent or knowledge for third-party access.
Epic has stopped responding to data requests from some of Particle’s customers due to the dispute, but most clients have not been affected. The company is working to have Epic restore connections for impacted customers and many have already returned to normal operations. Although there is an ongoing dispute, the majority of Particle Health customers impacted by Epic’s actions were not related to the specific dispute.
Particle Health CEO Jason Prestinario stated that he will address the dispute with Epic through official procedural channels and urged both companies to work towards a resolution that ensures continued exchange of patient data on a large scale. Epic has not yet responded to CNBC’s request for comment on this matter as it continues to develop in its resolution process.
