Our recent Epic upgrade included new SlicerDicer data models and expanded access to Epic SideKick, enabling teams to more easily explore data and identify improvement opportunities.

All Epic users can access SlicerDicer. It will be most useful to physicians, advanced practice providers, leaders, researchers, auditors, quality analysts and revenue cycle teams.

What’s new in SlicerDicer?

New data models

We added the following SlicerDicer data models to support clinical, operational, and financial decision-making:

We’ve updated our Notice of Privacy Practices to include new language required by the federal government related to special privacy protections for substance use disorder.

Background

The Notice of Privacy Practices describes how medical information about patients may be used and disclosed and how they can get access to this information. 

Our latest patient journey video highlights how innovation and teamwork can quickly change a patient’s life. Conditioned to Heal: Ruth’s Valve Replacement Journey follows Ruth Bokun, whose severe heart condition once limited her ability to walk even short distances.

Thanks to a transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement led by Dr. Jason Foerst, Ruth had access to a less‑invasive treatment option that supported a faster recovery and renewed independence.

Carilion has proudly partnered with the Kay Yow Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by the late NC State women's basketball coach Kay Yow, dedicated to fighting all cancers affecting women. This partnership has been a significant source of support for many patients over the past year.

Our next Epic upgrade is Wednesday, Feb. 11, and we have a new tool to make the transition as smooth as possible. Epic's "What's New" feature shows you what's changing specifically for you.

We're expanding access to SlicerDicer, Epic's self-service reporting tool, to help our teams use data to improve patient care and operational workflows.

What is SlicerDicer?

SlicerDicer is a self-service data exploration tool within Epic that allows teams to analyze clinical, operational, and financial data in real time, without needing custom report builds. 

You can quickly explore trends, track data, and drill down into details to answer questions, identify trends, and make improvements.

When our patients have questions about their protected health information, we have a new resource available. 

“Patient Privacy: Your Questions Answered” is a flyer/handout that covers these topics:

*Updated 2/4/26: Congress has officially passed a bipartisan funding bill that extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027. 

Congress has approved a temporary extension of current Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Jan. 30, 2026. Further action from Congress will determine whether these flexibilities continue beyond that date.

Reimbursement Update: In-Person, Video, and Audio-Only Visits

Through January:

Situation: If you use self-scheduling in UKG Pro and have a license or certification that expires during the schedule period, you may not be able to sign up for the full 6-week schedule.

Background: Schedules are currently open for employees to select shifts for the 6-week schedule that begins Sunday, Dec. 14 and ends Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.

We now use Elsevier Clinical Skills instead of Cornerstone to more efficiently track and validate essential skill validations that must be completed during orientation and annually. These validations confirm the knowledge and skills needed for your role and quality patient care.