Epic, Wisconsin health systems join CMS data exchange pledge
Editor’s note: Updated at 1:45 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025 to include comment from Froedtert ThedaCare Health CEO Dr. Imran Andrabi
Epic, the Verona-based electronic health records company, pledged Wednesday to implement a new data exchange framework from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. So did Froedtert ThedaCare Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health, Marshfield Clinic Health System’s merger partner.
At a White House “Make Health Tech Great Again” event, CMS unveiled voluntary criteria for “trusted, patient-centered and practical data exchange,” according to a statement. CMS also said the effort will lead to new apps aimed at diabetes and obesity management; using artificial intelligence to help patients check symptoms, navigate care and schedule appointments; and replacing paper intake forms with digital check-ins.
“For decades, bureaucrats and entrenched interests buried health data and blocked patients from taking control of their health,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We’re tearing down digital walls, returning power to patients and rebuilding a health system that serves the people.”
An Epic spokesperson said the company looks forward to improving access to real-time health information.
“Epic’s involvement builds on our longstanding support for government and industry efforts to advance interoperability,” they said.
Froedtert ThedaCare Health CEO Dr. Imran Andrabi said that they’ll collaborate with other involved organizations “to build a next-generation digital health ecosystem with the vision to improve patient outcomes, reduce provider burden and drive value.”
“The pledge is the first step to work collaboratively on interoperability and user-friendly health apps,” he said. “We look forward to learning more and will share updates as the work continues.”
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