The Epic Referrals module is a critical component of the Epic electronic health record (EHR) ecosystem, facilitating the seamless transfer of patient care from one provider to another.
Specifically, the Epic Referrals proficiency assessment is designed for Epic analysts, application coordinators, and IT professionals responsible for the configuration, implementation, and support of the referrals workflow within their healthcare organization.
This certification validates that an individual possesses the technical knowledge necessary to build the background tables, rules, and workqueues that allow specialists and primary care physicians to manage patient transitions efficiently.
Preparing for this assessment requires dedication, and utilizing a comprehensive practice test is one of the most effective ways to gauge your readiness and ensure success in the final exam.
To master the materials covered in the final assessment, you must have a deep understanding of the Epic Referrals curriculum, which generally overlaps with Cadence (Scheduling) training.
The core topics you will study include, but are not limited to, the following critical areas:
Referral Master Files (SER, EAP): Understanding the foundation of how providers are configured to send or receive referrals.
Workflow Configuration: Setting up the essential buttons, navigators, and activity tabs end-users interact with daily.
Rule Build (LGL): Creating logical rules that automatically route referrals based on patient insurance, specialty, or location.
Referral Workqueues (WQB): Building and managing the workqueues that departmental staff use to process incoming and outgoing requests.
Security: Configuring security points to ensure only authorized users can create, authorize, or close referrals.
System Definitions and Profiles: Understanding how settings at different levels of the facility hierarchy affect referral behavior.
The exam itself represents a synthesis of this curriculum, requiring you to apply conceptual knowledge to specific build scenarios.
While the exact nature of the final exam can adjust with new Epic versions, it generally follows a strict, standardized format that requires thorough preparation.
The final proficiency assessment is usually conducted in an open-book format, allowing you to access the standard Epic training materials (Companions) during the test.
However, do not let "open-book" mislead you; the time constraints are tight, and you must know where to find information quickly, as searching the manuals during the test will waste precious time.
The format is typically multiple-choice, often presenting complex, multi-part scenarios that require you to troubleshoot a simulated build or determine the correct configuration step.
The time limit is strict, often allowing approximately two to three hours, which requires you to manage your pace effectively across the various question types.
A passing score is generally required (often 80% or higher), and results are typically provided shortly after completing the assessment in the Epic UserWeb.
Preparation is the absolute key to success on the Epic Referrals final assessment, and simply reading the manuals is rarely enough to ensure a passing score.
We recommend a multi-faceted study strategy:
Re-do the Companions: The best form of study is hands-on; go through your training Companions and redo every single build exercise from start to finish in the Epic playground (PLY) environment.
Use Practice Tests: Employing a comprehensive Epic Referrals Practice Test is invaluable; it familiarizes you with the phrasing of the questions and helps you identify specific knowledge gaps.
Create Custom Documentation: As you study, create a simplified "cheat sheet" outlining key master files (like RFL, WQB, and SER) and how they relate to each other.
Review System Definitions: Pay close attention to the hierarchy of System, Facility, Service Area, and Location definitions, as many scenarios hinge on this knowledge.
Regarding testing locations, Epic certifications are proprietary and handled differently than standardized tests like the GRE or PMP.
For the actual "certification" (which requires attending classes in Verona, Wisconsin), the exam is taken on-site at Epic headquarters.
However, for most analysts seeking "proficiency" (which does not require on-site class attendance but involves the same training materials), the assessment is taken remotely through the Epic UserWeb, usually proctored by your organization’s Epic training manager or IT leadership.
Earning proficiency or certification in Epic Referrals significantly boosts your career trajectory in the high-demand field of Healthcare Information Technology (HIT).
This qualification opens doors to various rewarding career paths, including:
Epic Cadence/Referrals Analyst
Certified Epic Application Coordinator
Healthcare Revenue Cycle Analyst
Epic System Administrator (Scheduling and Referrals focus)
Epic Workflow Consultant
IT Clinical Applications Manager
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