When healthcare vendors talk about integrating with Epic, the conversation often starts with APIs, HL7, or FHIR. But that’s only half the story.
The reality is: Epic integration isn't just a technical hurdle - it's a political one. And if you're not prepared to navigate both dimensions, you're setting your implementation team - and your sales pipeline - up for frustration.
Why Epic Integration Takes Longer Than You Think
If you’re not part of Epic’s Connection Hub (formerly App Orchard), you’ll face a long and winding road:
- Custom HL7 interfaces
- Static file exports
- Manual authentication setup
- Repetitive security and legal reviews - for each client
Even with certification, every Epic instance is effectively its own universe. Each health system has different governance rules, resource constraints, and integration priorities.
- Without certification: You’re looking at 6+ months of custom work per client.
- With certification: You still need internal champions, stakeholder approvals, and a dedicated testing cycle for each integration.
It’s Not Just Technical - It’s Political
Here’s what vendors often underestimate:
- Local Politics Matter
Even if your software is certified and clinically validated, you’ll need someone inside the hospital to prioritize your integration. - Epic Admins Are Gatekeepers
They control access, timelines, and often whether your project gets on the roadmap at all. - Competing Priorities Stall Projects
Epic teams are juggling upgrades, regulatory demands, and 30+ other vendors asking for integration. You're just one of many.
How to Navigate the Epic Maze
Here are a few hard-earned lessons and strategies we recommend:
1. Invest in Connection Hub Certification - But Don’t Stop There
Certification gets you in the door, but it doesn’t guarantee implementation. It builds credibility and speeds up technical conversations - but local buy-in is still essential.
2. Win Internal Champions Early
Whether it’s a CMIO, IT director, or informatics nurse, you need someone inside the health system who believes in your solution enough to advocate for it.
3. Support the Health System’s Timeline - Not Yours
Frame the integration as their initiative, not just a product feature. Be persistent, but flexible. Show how your solution aligns with their workflow and strategic goals.
4. Build Reusable Integration Playbooks
Document everything: HL7 configurations, onboarding checklists, and data mappings. Productize the messy middle - future integrations will move faster and smoother.
5. Use Middleware When Strategic
If direct integration isn’t viable, leverage middleware platforms like Redox, Bridge Connector, or Datica. They can reduce complexity, accelerate timelines, and help standardize interfaces.
Final Thoughts: Integration Is a Go-To-Market Strategy
If your product serves Epic users, integration is your product.
Don’t treat it as a back-office task - treat it as a core competency and differentiator.
The vendors that succeed with Epic aren’t always the ones with the flashiest UI or most advanced AI - they’re the ones who understand the system, the people, and the politics.
Need Help Navigating Epic Integration?
At Zaghop Consulting, we’ve been through this journey. We're enrolled in Epic’s Connection Hub, have developed our own certified integration app, and understand the real-world roadblocks that slow down implementation.
Whether you're just starting or stuck in the middle, we can help you move faster - with fewer delays and more confidence.
