Health Commission orders DPH to produce out of county discharge data for San Franciscans
February 15, 2022 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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In a recent meeting of the San Francisco Health Commission, a heated discussion unfolded regarding the accuracy of patient discharge data from the Epic database, a critical tool used by the Department of Public Health (DPH). The meeting, held on July 4, 2025, spotlighted concerns raised by a public commenter about the integrity of the data being reported.
The commenter emphasized that the Epic Media Relations department had confirmed the database's capability to accurately reflect discharge data, specifically noting that it distinguishes between patients discharged to San Francisco and those sent out of county. This clarification was crucial, as previous claims suggested inaccuracies in how this data was being represented. The speaker insisted that the DPH must adhere to a directive issued by a task force on January 31, which called for the immediate production of out-of-county discharge data.
To ensure compliance, the commenter urged the Health Commission to direct DPH officials, including Chief Information Officer Eric Raffin and Informatics Officer Dr. Neda Ratna Wongsa, to create a specific query within the patient flow module. This query would focus solely on San Francisco residents discharged to cities outside of San Francisco, thereby providing clarity on the discharge patterns that have raised concerns.
The urgency of the matter was palpable, as the speaker accused the DPH of misleading the public regarding the discharge data. The Health Commission, acknowledging the gravity of the comments, moved forward with the agenda, but the implications of this discussion lingered in the air, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and accuracy in public health data.
As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the integrity of health data is not just a technical issue but a matter of public trust. The Health Commission's response to these concerns will be pivotal in shaping the future of health data reporting in San Francisco, as residents and officials alike seek assurance that the information guiding health policies is both accurate and reliable.
The commenter emphasized that the Epic Media Relations department had confirmed the database's capability to accurately reflect discharge data, specifically noting that it distinguishes between patients discharged to San Francisco and those sent out of county. This clarification was crucial, as previous claims suggested inaccuracies in how this data was being represented. The speaker insisted that the DPH must adhere to a directive issued by a task force on January 31, which called for the immediate production of out-of-county discharge data.
To ensure compliance, the commenter urged the Health Commission to direct DPH officials, including Chief Information Officer Eric Raffin and Informatics Officer Dr. Neda Ratna Wongsa, to create a specific query within the patient flow module. This query would focus solely on San Francisco residents discharged to cities outside of San Francisco, thereby providing clarity on the discharge patterns that have raised concerns.
The urgency of the matter was palpable, as the speaker accused the DPH of misleading the public regarding the discharge data. The Health Commission, acknowledging the gravity of the comments, moved forward with the agenda, but the implications of this discussion lingered in the air, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and accuracy in public health data.
As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the integrity of health data is not just a technical issue but a matter of public trust. The Health Commission's response to these concerns will be pivotal in shaping the future of health data reporting in San Francisco, as residents and officials alike seek assurance that the information guiding health policies is both accurate and reliable.
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