Split the Workload: Outsourcing Legacy Support with MedixFlex™ to Free Up HIT Innovation
Today’s healthcare IT leaders juggle an almost impossible task: Overseeing the critical, complex task of maintaining foundational technology systems that support clinical workflows — like Epic EHR — while being the vanguards of their organization’s digital transformation. It’s a constant tug-of-war that creates what we call a “maintenance tax” on their teams, their budgets, and their capacity to innovate. With internal resources constantly redirected to troubleshooting, routine updates, daily tasks, and the mundane operational demands of legacy technology, little time or energy is left for the strategic, high-impact initiatives that shape the future of organizations — and patient care. This challenge is pervasive in healthcare, hindering the efforts of many organizations to advance and compete in a landscape that rewards forward-thinking and innovative players.
What’s the solution? Simply hiring more team members to shoulder the burden isn’t the answer — and often isn’t feasible. Instead, healthcare IT leaders should create a more strategic, long-term approach to staffing: a “split the workload” model with a partner that specializes in healthcare technology solutions. This type of partnership allows organizations to delegate operational support of legacy systems, liberating their internal teams from the daily grind and enabling them to devote their time to projects that will transform patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The result is a more resilient, engaged team and an organization positioned for true digital advancement.
The Cost of the ‘Maintenance Tax’
Maintaining legacy systems, especially platforms as complex as Epic, places immense pressure on a healthcare organization’s most valuable asset: its people. Instead of working on rewarding, high-impact projects, team members are constantly fighting fires — support tickets, troubleshooting, keeping the lights on. It’s a substantial mental and professional toll.
This fire hose of pressure contributes directly to burnout among IT professionals — 60% of them reported being burned out in a recent study1. Beyond the human cost, the “maintenance tax” also sparks a significant financial burden in the form of staff turnover. Replacing a specialized healthcare professional can cost an organization as much as 200% of their annual salary.2 Compounding this financial drain is the fact that up to 80% of IT budgets are dedicated simply to maintaining existing legacy systems, leaving as little as 20% for innovation and new initiatives.3 This drain on financial and human capital directly prevents a healthcare organization from evolving and keeps them in a stagnant operational cycle.
Freeing Up Innovation Capacity: The ‘Split the Workload’ Result
By outsourcing legacy support with a strategic partner, HIT leaders can immediately unlock their team’s capacity for innovation. This does not mean cutting staff. It involves strategically reallocating resources to where they can have the greatest impact. When a trusted partner handles the operational “run and maintain” tasks, internal teams can focus with confidence on the future.
The possibilities are transformative. Internal teams can:
- Focus on strategic initiatives: This includes projects that directly impact patient care, such as implementing a new patient portal, integrating AI-driven tools for diagnostic support, or developing robust telehealth platforms.
- Drive digital transformation: Instead of working to keep the lights on today, talent can build the infrastructure for tomorrow. This might involve optimizing data analytics for better population health management or implementing new tools that streamline clinical workflows.
- Improve morale and resilience: When team members are re-engaged with rewarding, forward-thinking work, job satisfaction and morale improve. This reduces burnout and turnover, creating a more stable, high-performing team.
This strategic approach transforms the internal HIT team from a cost center for maintenance into a revenue-generating engine for innovation — an asset that directly contributes to the organization’s growth and competitive advantage. By embracing this model to free up HIT innovation, leaders are not just improving budgets but also creating a more dynamic, fulfilling work environment for their talent.
The MedixFlex™ Solution: A Strategic Partnership
If you’re considering outsourcing legacy support to an external partner, Medix Technology’s MedixFlex™ tech solutions model is ideal for organizations caught in the push-and-pull of innovation and maintenance. MedixFlex™ provides a dedicated team of Epic-certified analysts to handle day-to-day operations, freeing your internal team to focus on strategic growth and future initiatives. This is more than a traditional staffing or consulting service; it’s a strategic partnership designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing team and processes.
MedixFlex™’s specialized expertise complements your internal team without replacing it. With a deep understanding of Epic’s intricacies, our experienced team maintains day-to-day Epic operations, provides coverage and stability, and reduces pressure on your full-time employees. By delegating these essential tasks to a partner with decades of experience, you gain a range of benefits without sacrificing quality or control.
- Cost savings: MedixFlex™ is a more cost-effective model than traditional in-house staffing, allowing you to reallocate budget to more strategic initiatives. Also, it can result in a 25% cost savings compared to regular consulting models.
- Operational stability: Achieve higher performance as the MedixFlex™ team handles workflow optimizations and efficiencies, configuration reviews, and managing change requests.
- A true partnership: The named resources we provide are 100% dedicated to you and serve as an extension of your team — working in lockstep with you for a cohesive and collaborative approach.
MedixFlex™ Kick-Starts Digital Transformations
The path to digital transformation is not complete after a single, grand project. It’s an ongoing series of strategic decisions that free up the capacity for innovation. MedixFlex™ represents your crucial first step on that journey. By outsourcing legacy support, you empower your internal teams to drive change, not just maintain the status quo.
When your team is free to nurture HIT innovation, you’ll experience improved financial and operational performance. This is an investment in your talent’s well-being and your organization’s future. Outsourcing legacy support is a path toward sustainable growth and a more agile, resilient technology team.
Partner with MedixFlex™ today to split the workload and unlock innovation. Contact us to get started.
References
- “IT Trends Report 2025.” Auvik, 2024, https://www.google.com/search?q=www.auvik.com/wp-content/themes/auvik/downloads/Auvik-IT-Trends-Report-2025.pdf.
- “The True Cost of Staff Turnover in Healthcare.” Inovalon, 2023, https://www.google.com/search?q=www.inovalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/The-True-Cost-of-Staff-Turnover-in-Healthcare.pdf.
- Davies, David. “Maintaining Legacy Systems Costs.” RecordPoint, 16 Jan. 2020, https://www.google.com/search?q=www.recordpoint.com/blog/maintaining-legacy-systems-costs
