ePocrates Announces Free Integration With EMR And Other Healthcare IT Developers

SAN MATEO, Calif., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Epocrates announced today that its widely adopted mobile and web-based clinical applications can now be linked to products developed by healthcare information system (HIS) partners. The Epocrates Linx(TM) Partner Program enables developers of mobile and desktop health information solutions, such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and ePrescribing applications, to integrate their systems and data with Epocrates solutions.

"With national and local initiatives underway to encourage adoption of EMRs and other healthcare information technologies, this announcement could not come at a better time," said John Halamka, MD, CIO of Harvard Medical School. "The ability to integrate Epocrates trusted products with new applications will help clinicians become more comfortable and open to incorporating more technology into their daily practice."

The incorporation of Epocrates solutions with EMRs and other HIS technologies promises to assist physicians in providing better patient care. In a recent survey of Epocrates customers, more than 75 percent of physicians reported they are more likely to use an EMR system if it is coupled with Epocrates' clinical applications. In addition, more than 90 percent believe they can make more informed and confident decisions with the integrated solution.

Epocrates currently partners with multiple healthcare IT developers of hospital-based, ambulatory care and multi-environment solutions. Epocrates' collaboration with partners such as, Allscripts, DrFirst, InstantDx, MercuryMD, PatientKeeper and SOAPware, increases interoperability among technologies and offers clinicians one convenient location for patient and clinical information via mobile devices or Internet connection.

"Since its inception, Epocrates has been the leading developer of clinical reference solutions, proving that clinicians will enthusiastically embrace technology that assists in the improvement of patient safety and care on a daily basis. By working with Epocrates, we have found that our systems are becoming more valuable and viable during physician-patient interactions," said Randall Oates, MD, President, SOAPware, Inc.

Epocrates Linx allows HIS vendors to download the Epocrates application program interface (API) to create a customized user interface within their system. Vendors have the ability to embed hyperlinks within their HIS systems that will lead users directly to the relevant information in Epocrates' reference applications, increasing efficiency and convenience for clinicians. This seamless integration allows clinicians to move from one application to another, enabling them to review a patient record and then immediately access Epocrates' clinical information, including dosing, drug interactions, pricing, health plan coverage and more.

"The marriage of our popular applications and our partners' real-time patient data enables clinicians to access critical information -- from potential drug side effects to patient vaccination history -- seamlessly and instantaneously," said Kirk Loevner, chairman and chief executive officer for Epocrates. "By working with current and future partners to connect our applications, we are supporting the needs of our customers and helping improve care for their patients."

Epocrates mobile and Internet-based products, including Epocrates Rx(R) and Epocrates(R) Online free drug and formulary applications, are used by more than 500,000 healthcare professionals. To learn more about the Epocrates and the Linx Partner Program, visit http://www2.epocrates.com/services/integration .

ABOUT EPOCRATES, INC.

San Mateo, Calif.-based Epocrates is transforming the practice of medicine by providing innovative clinical solutions at the point of care and deploying leading-edge technologies that enable communication. The company has built a clinical network connecting more than 500,000 healthcare professionals, including one in four U.S. physicians and nearly one in two U.S. medical students, with the healthcare industry. Epocrates' products have shown a positive impact on patient safety, healthcare efficiency and patient satisfaction. Epocrates was recently ranked 257 in the 24th annual Inc.500 ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. For more information about Epocrates, please visit www.epocrates.com.

CONTACT: Erica Sniad of Epocrates, +1-650-227-6907, or pr@epocrates.com

Web site: http://www.epocrates.com//