Epic XGM 2026: Advancing AI in the EMR
By Walter Reiling, MD, system chief medical information officer, Premier Health; and Mandy Via, system director of access, referral management, and telehealth, Premier Health
Premier Health team members attended Epic’s Spring Experts Group Meeting (XGM) in late April to review upcoming functionality and share insights with peer health systems.
AI was the central focus. Epic continues to expand embedded AI capabilities, and Premier Health is already applying these tools in meaningful ways, including patient summaries, workflow assistants, and ambient documentation to reduce administrative burden and support clinical efficiency.
Epic is advancing deeper integration of AI within the EMR, using patient context to enhance real-time decision support and streamline workflows. A key development is the introduction of three coordinated AI personas:
- ART supports clinicians by drafting in basket responses, summarizing charts, and assisting with documentation.
- EMMIE enhances patient-facing workflows in MyChart, including scheduling and education.
- PENNY supports administrative and financial processes.
Together, these tools are designed to improve usability across clinical, patient, and operational workflows.
As AI capabilities expand, adherence to governance standards remains critical. Protected health information must remain within approved systems. UpToDate remains the only approved AI-enabled clinical decision support tool. Use of non-approved or free AI tools introduces significant compliance and data security risk.
AI will continue to be integrated into clinical practice. The opportunity to improve efficiency and reduce burden is significant, but must remain balanced with strict adherence to security, compliance, and data governance standards.
Premier Health is well positioned to lead in both adoption and responsible use of AI, ensuring these tools enhance care delivery while maintaining the highest standards of patient privacy and safety.
Back to the June 2026 Premier Pulse
