Epic Faces Lawsuit Over Illegal Access to 300,000 Patient Records
Epic Systems, recognized as a leading provider of electronic health record (EHR) solutions, has initiated legal action against Health Gorilla and several associated clients. This lawsuit targets the unlawful access of approximately 300,000 patient records managed by Epic.
Allegations of Fraud and Breach of Contract
Filed in federal court in California, Epic’s lawsuit accuses Health Gorilla and its clients of fraud and breach of contract. The allegations focus on clients masquerading as healthcare providers to access sensitive health records.
- Improper access to patient records
- Exploitation of records for financial gains
- Breach of trust and contractual agreements
Background on Epic’s Market Position
As the largest player in the U.S. EHR market, Epic has faced criticism for its reluctance to share health records with other entities. This reluctance has fueled disputes regarding access and interoperability within the healthcare system.
This lawsuit coincides with ongoing legal challenges Epic faces, including an antitrust lawsuit from Particle Health. Particle Health claims that Epic has abused its market power to obstruct access to essential health records for outside providers.
Implications of the Lawsuit
The outcome of this legal battle may have significant implications for patient record accessibility and the broader landscape of electronic health records.
Epic’s actions highlight the ongoing tension between patient privacy and the need for data sharing in the healthcare sector.
Stay tuned to El-Balad for further updates on this evolving story and its impact on the healthcare industry.
