The Critical Role of Printing in Healthcare 

Printing is an integral function in any healthcare environment. From patient wristbands, prescriptions, and medical records to discharge summaries, secure and error-free printing is non-negotiable in various healthcare settings within the healthcare industry. However, Epic EMR printing presents significant challenges that can disrupt workflows, cause security risks, and increase IT burdens.

For hospitals and healthcare providers relying on Epic's Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, printing isn't just about connecting a printer—it's about ensuring reliability, security, and compliance while reducing IT complexity.

Common Challenges of Printing in an Epic EMR Environment 

1. Complex Print Server Management 

Epic's architecture requires multiple print servers to handle print jobs across different locations, leading to an IT administrative nightmare. Each remote site may require various print servers, each needing identical printer drivers, increasing management overhead. Epic print servers often rely on Windows printing subsystems, which have extremely limited functionality, leading to further complications in print management.

2. Print Mapping Issues in VDI & Roaming Environments 

Many hospitals run Epic in a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) or Citrix environment, complicating printer mapping. Clinicians and staff frequently move between locations, and Epic does not always correctly map printers to user sessions, leading to misrouted print jobs. 

3. Slow Print Job Performance & Bandwidth Overload 

Epic Print Services (EPS) generates large, raw print jobs, which can cause network congestion. Many hospitals experience delayed print jobs, disrupting patient care and slowing workflows. The printing process within Epic often relies on multiple software modules running on various computers, further complicating print job management and contributing to delays.

4. Security & Compliance Risks (HIPAA, PHIPA, GDPR) 

Healthcare organizations must protect patient data at all costs. Unattended printouts, unauthorized printer access, and unsecured print jobs pose compliance risks, potentially leading to HIPAA violations and data breaches. Electronic health records (EHR) play a crucial role in ensuring real-time access to patient data across different healthcare environments, essential for maintaining compliance and protecting patient information.

5. Lack of Mobile Printing & Secure Print Release 

With mobile devices becoming essential in hospitals, doctors, nurses, and staff must print on the go. Epic's out-of-the-box print functionality does not allow mobile devices to be used, leaving clinicians tied to specific workstations.  Additionally, Epic does not allow secure release, meaning confidential patient data can be uncollected on printers. 

6. Limited Print Auditing

Limited print auditing is a significant challenge in Epic printing environments. Without comprehensive visibility into print jobs and print queues, medical organizations struggle to track and manage their printing activities effectively. This lack of oversight can lead to inefficiencies, increased waste, and potential security risks.

To address this challenge, the health system needs a robust printing optimization system that offers real-time monitoring and tracking of print jobs, print queues, and print devices. Such a solution enables administrators to identify areas for improvement, optimize print costs, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By gaining insights into their print environment, healthcare providers can make data-driven decisions to enhance efficiency and security.

How Process Fusion's UniPrint Healthcare Print Suite Solves Epic Printing Challenges 

Process Fusion's UniPrint Healthcare Print Suite(HPS)is purpose-built for Epic EMR environments, where Epic provides leading software applications tailored for the healthcare industry, offering a secure, streamlined, and efficient printing solution. This suite integrates advanced print management solutions to streamline document handling and ensure security within healthcare settings.

1. Eliminate Redundant Print Servers 

HPS replaces Epic's multiple print servers with a centralized UniPrint Bridge, consolidating remote print servers into the data center. This simplifies management, reduces costs, and improves print reliability. Epic print servers often rely on multiple operating systems for print spooling, which can complicate print job processing and overall system reliability.

2. Smart Print Mapping for VDI & Roaming Users 

HPS intelligently maps printers based on the user's session, ensuring that clinicians always print to the nearest, most appropriate printer—even when moving between locations. 

3. 95% Print Job Compression & Faster Output 

HPS reduces print data size by up to 95%, boosting print speeds and reducing bandwidth consumption, ensuring timely print delivery even during peak hospital hours. 

4. Secure Pull Printing & Compliance Assurance 

Infinity SecurePrint technology ensures confidential documents are only released upon user authentication, meeting HIPAA, PHIPA, and GDPR requirements. 

5. Seamless Mobile Printing & Release Anywhere 

Doctors and nurses can print from any mobile device and release print jobs securely at any authorized MFD or printer using RFID, smart cards, or password authentication. 

6. Cost Savings and ROI

A comprehensive print management strategy can drive significant cost savings and ROI for healthcare organizations by optimizing print costs, reducing waste, and improving efficiency, allowing more resources to be allocated to patient care.

Why Choose HPS for Epic EMR Printing? 

• Reduce IT Complexity – Eliminate Epic Print Format Servers & consolidate print management. 

• Enhance Security & Compliance – Secure pull printing and audit logs to protect sensitive patient data. 

• Increase Printing Speed – Compress print jobs by up to 95% to avoid network congestion. 

• Enable Roaming & Mobile Printing – Automatically route jobs to the nearest printer for on-the-go clinicians. 

• Ensure 100% Print Uptime – High-availability printing keeps critical hospital operations running smoothly. 

  
  

The Future of Epic Printing Starts with Healthcare Print Suite 

Hospitals and healthcare providers must eliminate Epic EMR printing headaches to focus on what matters most—patient care. Process Fusion's UniPrint Healthcare Print Suite delivers a seamless, secure, and optimized printing experience, ensuring better workflows, reduced IT burden, and increased productivity, ultimately contributing to better patient care and overall organizational performance.

If you're still struggling with Epic EMR print management, it's time to switch to a proven, intelligent printing solution.