Yes—Epic EHR integrates with Zoom through third-party connectors and native workflows, enabling telehealth visits to be scheduled, launched, and documented directly within Epic’s patient record system.
Overview
Healthcare organizations using Epic EHR can embed Zoom video conferencing capabilities into their clinical workflows. This integration allows providers to initiate virtual visits from the patient chart, automatically link visit recordings to medical records, and streamline the telehealth appointment lifecycle without switching between systems. The integration is particularly valuable for organizations that have already invested in both Epic and Zoom, as it reduces friction during patient encounters and improves documentation accuracy.
How the Integration Works
- Embedded Video Launch: Providers can start a Zoom meeting directly from Epic’s patient visit screen. The meeting room is automatically created and linked to the specific patient encounter, eliminating the need to manually copy meeting links or manage separate scheduling.
- Appointment Scheduling: When a telehealth appointment is scheduled in Epic, Zoom meeting details (link, dial-in numbers, waiting room settings) are automatically generated and included in appointment confirmations sent to patients via email or SMS.
- Patient Joining: Patients receive a unique meeting link tied to their appointment. They can join the Zoom call directly from the appointment confirmation without needing a separate Zoom account or installation, using Zoom’s web client or mobile app.
- Visit Documentation: After the encounter, providers can document the visit in Epic’s standard clinical note templates. Meeting recordings are retained in Zoom’s cloud storage and can be linked to the patient record for compliance and continuity of care.
- Authentication & Security: The integration uses OAuth and single sign-on (SSO) where available, ensuring that only authorized Epic users can initiate Zoom meetings and that patient data remains protected under HIPAA requirements.
Key Features & Capabilities
- One-Click Video Visits: Providers launch Zoom meetings without leaving the Epic chart, reducing appointment setup time and improving patient experience during check-in.
- Automatic Meeting Room Assignment: Each telehealth appointment generates a unique, secure Zoom room linked to the patient encounter, preventing meeting room conflicts and simplifying room management across multiple providers.
- Integrated Waiting Room: Zoom’s waiting room feature works within Epic workflows, allowing front-desk staff to admit patients while the provider prepares the clinical note, improving punctuality and reducing no-shows.
- Recording & Compliance: Zoom recordings are stored securely and can be referenced during chart review, quality audits, or patient requests, with audit trails maintained in both systems to satisfy regulatory requirements.
- Multi-Specialty Support: The integration works across Epic departments—primary care, mental health, specialty consultations, and follow-ups—without requiring separate configuration for each clinical area.
- Mobile Provider Access: Providers using Epic’s mobile app can initiate Zoom calls on smartphones or tablets, enabling telehealth visits from clinic floors, hospitals, or remote locations.
Setup Difficulty: Medium
Implementing the Epic-Zoom integration typically requires 15–30 minutes of configuration per provider or department, plus 1–2 hours of initial IT setup. Your IT team will need to:
- Verify that your Epic instance and Zoom account are both current versions supporting the integration.
- Configure OAuth credentials and API permissions between Epic and Zoom (usually handled by your Zoom admin and Epic system administrator).
- Enable telehealth visit types in Epic’s scheduling module and associate them with Zoom meeting templates.
- Test the end-to-end workflow (scheduling, joining, recording) with a pilot group of providers before rolling out organization-wide.
- Train clinical and administrative staff on launching meetings, managing waiting rooms, and handling common technical issues.
No custom code is required if you use Epic’s built-in Zoom connector or an approved third-party integration partner. However, if your organization has heavily customized Epic workflows or requires non-standard Zoom configurations (e.g., custom branding, advanced routing), your implementation partner may need to do additional development work.
Alternatives & Workarounds
If the native Epic-Zoom integration doesn’t fully meet your needs, consider these options:
- Zapier or Make (formerly Integromat): Use no-code automation platforms to trigger Zoom meeting creation when Epic appointments are scheduled, or to log meeting metadata back into Epic. This approach offers flexibility but adds a third system to manage and may introduce slight delays in meeting generation.
- Epic’s Other Telehealth Partners: Epic also integrates with Teladoc, Amwell, and other telehealth platforms that may offer additional features (e.g., AI-powered scheduling, multi-language support, or advanced analytics) if Zoom alone doesn’t address your clinical requirements.
- Custom API Integration: Your development team can build a custom connector using Epic’s FHIR APIs and Zoom’s REST API to create bespoke workflows, such as automatic appointment reminders, provider availability syncing, or custom reporting dashboards. This approach requires more upfront investment but offers maximum control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Epic-Zoom integration work with Epic’s mobile app?
Yes. Providers using Epic’s mobile app can initiate Zoom meetings directly from the patient chart on smartphones and tablets. However, the mobile experience may vary slightly depending on your device and Epic version. Test with your pilot group to confirm compatibility with your specific setup.
Are Zoom recordings automatically stored in Epic?
No. Zoom recordings are stored in Zoom’s cloud storage by default. Your IT team can configure Zoom to store recordings in your organization’s preferred location (e.g., Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, or an on-premises server) and link them to Epic patient records via a URL or attachment field. This ensures compliance with your data retention and security policies.
Can patients join Zoom calls without a Zoom account?
Yes. Patients receive a unique meeting link in their appointment confirmation and can join the call using Zoom’s web client without creating an account. They can also use the Zoom mobile app if they prefer. No Zoom license is required for patients.
What happens if the Zoom connection drops during a visit?
If the connection drops, the provider and patient can rejoin the same meeting room using the meeting link. Zoom automatically reconnects to the existing session rather than creating a new one. However, any recording in progress will pause and resume when the connection is restored. Advise providers to save clinical notes frequently to avoid data loss if a prolonged outage occurs.
Important Disclaimer
Integration features, APIs, and supported workflows may change as Epic and Zoom release updates. Always verify current capabilities and compatibility on Epic’s official integration marketplace and Zoom’s healthcare documentation before finalizing your implementation plan. Consult your Epic implementation partner or Zoom account manager if you have questions about your specific version or deployment model.