Understanding Encompass Release Types
Encompass is updated regularly to improve functionality, enhance security, and respond to user needs or regulatory changes. These updates are delivered through periodic releases, which are scheduled deployments that introduce new features, fix bugs, and ensure the Encompass remains reliable and compliant over time. This page explains the different types of releases:
The following table summarizes the content on this page.
| Category | Frequency | Release Content | iPad App Update | Notification Timeframe | Communications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major | Quarterly |
New features Workflow changes Bug fixes |
Always, required | 2–6 weeks |
Release notes Video Facebook post |
| Express | Once or twice a month |
Bug fixes Small features |
Sometimes, usually optional | 2–5 days |
Release notes appended to the major release page In-product messages when iPad app update is required |
| Hotfix | As needed | Urgent bug fixes | Sometimes, usually optional | 1–2 days |
Release notes appended to the major release page In-product messages when the bug is severe |
| Medical | Once or twice a month |
Plans and plan options Regulatory (e.g., ICD-10 code changes) |
None | 1–2 days | Release notes appended to the major release page |
Major Releases
Major releases happen quarterly. You'll know a major release because one or both of the first two numbers in the version number will advance (for example, advancing from version 6.3 to 7.0 or from 7.11 to 7.12). Major releases introduce new features and workflows.
Users of the Encompass iPad app will need to update the app before seeing patients following the release.
Major releases are announced 2–6 weeks prior to their release and are deployed to the training sandbox at the time of announcement. The early release to the training sandbox gives users and practice administrators an opportunity to explore new features before they are available in their production environments.
Major releases are detailed on a dedicated release notes page for that version, which includes feature descriptions, step-by-step instructions and a video highlighting the major features.
Express Releases
Express releases include bug fixes and small features that modestly enhance exiting workflows.
Express releases are often accompanied by an iPad app update, but the app update is usually optional. Sometimes an app update is required, which means users will need to update the app before seeing patients after the express release.
Release notes for hotfixes are typically appended to the bottom of the release notes page 2–5 days prior to the release. If an iPad app update is required, Eyefinity will push an in-product message to warn users that they will need to update the app.
Hotfixes
Hotfixes resolve bugs, and express releases include small features that modestly enhance exiting workflows. Occasionally, express releases may also address bugs and regulatory requirements.
Hotfixes may include an accompanying optional iPad app update
Release notes for hotfixes and express releases are typically appended to the bottom of the release notes page 1–2 days prior to the release.
Medical Releases
Medical releases include medical content, like new plans in the Impressions and Plans section, or new options within plans, like new injection options. Medical releases include clinical content only and do not include new features.
Release notes for medical releases are typically appended to the bottom of the release notes page 1–2 days prior to the release.