How do I Delete an Addendum in Epic?

In Epic, you cannot delete an addendum once it has been added to a signed encounter. This is a crucial aspect of maintaining the integrity and permanence of the electronic medical record.

Why Addendums Cannot Be Deleted

Addendums are specifically designed to supplement, correct, or clarify information within an encounter that has already been signed and finalized. The core principle of medical documentation in systems like Epic is to preserve a complete and unalterable history of patient care.

As per Epic's functionality:

"Unsigned encounters can be deleted from the Actions menu of the Encounter you wish to delete. Signed encounters can only have an addendum added and cannot be deleted."

Since an addendum is added to a signed encounter, and signed encounters themselves cannot be deleted, it logically follows that the addendum, being a part of that signed record, also cannot be removed. It becomes a permanent part of the patient's medical history.

What to Do If an Addendum is Incorrect or Needs Clarification

If you've added an addendum that contains an error or needs further clarification, you generally cannot edit or delete it. Instead, the standard practice is to:

• Add another addendum: Create a new addendum to address, correct, or further explain the previous one. Clearly state the purpose of the new addendum, referencing the one it modifies or corrects. This ensures a transparent audit trail and maintains the integrity of the medical record.

Understanding Encounter Deletion in Epic

It's important to distinguish between unsigned and signed encounters regarding deletion capabilities:

This distinction highlights that once documentation is signed, it's considered a legal and permanent part of the patient's chart, and addendums are the only permitted method for post-signing modifications or clarifications.