Prime Care, the Albany, N.Y.-based multi-specialty practice, will implement the integrated platform across its enterprise, which consists of 104 providers that serve a geographic area from Kingston to Glens Falls, N.Y. Implementation is expected to be completed in 2010.
"We were an early adopter of EHR technology, but the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided the opportunity to replace our previous systems with an integrated system that will enable us to secure proposed incentives," Dr. Richard Rowley, president of Prime Care Physicians, said.
Rowley said that in addition, NextGen Healthcare has built a reputation as a market leader and, as a multi-specialty practice, Prime Care was particularly impressed with the breadth of specialty workflow capabilities they offer.
Officials with NextGen said that the company’s EHR, which features pre-built clinical templates and workflow for more than 25 specialties, provides complete, accurate documentation stored in a standard format.
"Data sharing and pay-for-performance initiatives are emerging in our region, so it was critical for us to find a platform that will respond to the reporting requirements we anticipate having as we actively participate in these important programs," Dr. Bruce Coplin, FACC, EHR Physician Champion, and cardiologist at Prime Care Physicians, said.
Dr. Coplin said that with recent Medicare cuts, it was also important for Prime Care to gain billing efficiencies. He said that Prime Care believes that the integrated NextGen platform will enable it to meet both short- and long-term needs from a clinical and financial perspective.
"With the national focus on meaningful use and other quality of care efforts, Prime Care Physicians' decision to expand its use of technology is a very timely one," Philip N. Kaplan, chief operating officer for Quality Systems, the parent company of NextGen Healthcare, said.
Kaplan said that the practice is poised to take a leadership role in not only its community, but at a state and national level, as well.
Anil Sharma is a contributing editor for HealthTechZone. To read more of Anil’s articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by
Amy Tierney
