Epic, Not All Adverse Effects Are Allergic!

If you have ever used Mychart (Epic), the web-based electronic medical record (EMR), you probably know that you -- or your doctor -- can easily record history of allergic reactions to drugs. If, however, you want to record an adverse effect unrlated to drug allergy, renal toxicity from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, at least as of the time when I write this, you will not find such a record. You thus face the choice of omitting any reference to the adverse effect, or erroneusly labeling a non-allergic adverse effect as an allergic reaction. Either option involves liability for the provider and risk of harm for the patient.

Epic and other EMR publishers should correct this error immediately. A software developer could easily correct this dangerous flaw, potentially saving lives.

Berry Edwards, MD