How to Print a Face Sheet in Epic

A face sheet is a brief patient-identification and contact summary. In Epic, it may be available from the patient’s chart, a registration workflow, or a local document menu. Before printing, confirm that you are authorized to access and disclose the information, and use an approved printer and handling process. Menu names and locations can differ by Epic version and by your organization’s configuration.

What You’ll Need

Access to Epic and permission to view or print the patient’s information.
The correct patient’s name and another identifier, such as a medical record number, to verify the chart.
An approved, working printer, or an approved secure print queue.
A legitimate work-related reason to print and a way to keep the page secure.

Step-by-Step

Sign in securely. Open your organization’s Epic environment using your own account. Do not use a colleague’s login or leave an open session unattended. If Epic asks you to choose a department, role, or workspace, select the one appropriate to your task.
Open the patient’s chart. Search using the patient information available to you, then compare the displayed identifiers with the information you were given. Do not rely on a name alone when more than one patient could match. If the identifiers do not agree, stop and confirm the correct chart through your organization’s approved process.
Find the face sheet option. Look in the chart’s patient-summary, demographics, registration, or document/report area for an item named “Face Sheet” or a similar patient-summary label. Its location and wording vary by organization and Epic version, so use your local workflow guide if it is not obvious. Do not select a similarly named report unless you know it is the intended document.
Review what will print. Open the preview if one is available. Check that the patient identifiers are correct and that the page contains only the information needed for the work purpose. Face sheets can include sensitive information; do not add extra pages or details just because they are available.
Choose an approved printer. Select the printer or secure print queue designated for your work area. Confirm the destination before proceeding, especially if the printer list includes devices in other rooms or departments. If the print dialog includes page, copy, or layout choices, use the minimum needed and the standard settings for your organization.
Print and secure the page. Select Print, then collect the page promptly from the printer or release it at the secure printer as required. Check that the page is complete and legible. Keep it out of public view and follow your organization’s rules for delivery, storage, and disposal. If you printed it to the wrong destination, retrieve it if possible and report or handle the incident according to local policy.

Common Mistakes

Printing from the wrong chart: Verify more than one patient identifier before opening the face sheet and again in the preview.
Assuming every Epic layout is the same: Organizations configure Epic differently. A coworker’s menu path may not match yours; use your department’s instructions rather than guessing.
Selecting the wrong document: A demographics report, visit summary, or other chart document may not be the face sheet. Check the title and preview before printing.
Sending it to a nearby but unapproved printer: Check the selected destination carefully. A printer’s familiar name does not guarantee it is in a secure location.
Leaving the printout behind: Collect it promptly, including any pages that printed separately, and do not leave it in a shared tray.
Printing more than needed: Use only the pages and copies required for the task. Extra copies create avoidable exposure of confidential information.

Tips

Use your organization’s current Epic tip sheet or ask an Epic superuser, trainer, or supervisor for the approved local path.
If you regularly need face sheets, learn the authorized workflow for your role instead of relying on saved instructions from another department.
Pause to check the patient name and identifier in both the chart and print preview; this is especially important when switching between charts.
Use a secure print queue when required, and stay nearby to collect the page as soon as it is released.
Follow local rules for copies, faxing, scanning, and disposal. Do not place the sheet in an unsecured bin or take it outside the work area unless authorized.

Troubleshooting

You cannot find “Face Sheet”: Check the patient-summary, demographics, registration, or report areas your organization uses. Search local training materials or ask your Epic support contact. Avoid choosing an unverified substitute report.
The option is missing or unavailable: Your role may not have permission, or the workflow may be restricted to a particular department. Confirm your access with your supervisor or Epic support; do not try another person’s account.
The preview is blank, incomplete, or incorrect: Confirm that the correct chart is open and that the intended document was selected. If the issue continues, cancel the print and contact local Epic support rather than distributing an incomplete page.
Nothing comes out of the printer: Check the selected printer or secure queue, printer status, and any release instructions. If the job is still pending, follow local IT guidance before sending it again to avoid duplicate copies.
The printout is hard to read or cut off: Review the preview and standard print settings, then retry only after correcting the issue. If the layout remains wrong, contact support or use the organization-approved alternative.
You sent it to the wrong printer: If possible, retrieve the page immediately. Follow your organization’s privacy or incident-reporting process if you cannot recover it or someone else may have accessed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a face sheet the same in every Epic system?

No. The content, label, and location depend on the organization’s Epic setup and the user’s role. Confirm that the selected document is the one your workplace means by “face sheet.”

Can I print a face sheet from any patient chart?

Only access and print information when you are authorized and have a work-related need. Follow your organization’s privacy, access, and minimum-necessary policies.

Can I save the face sheet as a PDF instead?

Only if your organization permits that workflow and the destination is approved for confidential information. Do not save it to a personal device, personal email, or unapproved folder.

Why does my coworker see a different print option?

Epic menus and permissions can differ by role, department, and local configuration. Ask your trainer or Epic support team for the correct workflow for your account.

What should I do with an extra or misprinted copy?

Keep it secure and dispose of it using your organization’s approved confidential-document process. If it may have been exposed, follow local reporting procedures.

Sources: Epic. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.