McKesson launches EHR solutions for independent physician practices

According to the American Chiropractic Association, there are more than 60,000 licensed chiropractors in the U.S. serving millions of patients who spend $40 billion annually. Those numbers are climbing as research shows a significant connection between chiropractic services and positive healthcare outcomes. To meet the needs of this growing market, McKesson announced the launch of chiropractic template sets for its Practice Partner^® Patient Records, Medisoft^® Clinical and Lytec^® MD systems - McKesson's electronic health record (EHR) solutions for independent physician practices.

“Our EHR blends the best of both worlds, and when combined with our practice management systems we're able to meet chiropractors' needs from all angles.”

Despite the growing scope and impact of chiropractic services, when it comes to adopting EHRs chiropractors have been faced with a tough choice: opt for a robust yet standardized solution that requires time-consuming customization, or settle for a specialty-specific solution that lacks full functionality. With McKesson's new template set, developed in consultation with chiropractic experts, customized content is designed to meet chiropractors' unique requirements while respecting their workflow. With McKesson's EHRs, the templates offer a robust solution designed to help chiropractors more completely and accurately capture documentation for enhanced billing and improved patient care.

"Chiropractors are an important part of the healthcare system, yet the market has been underserved in terms of fully functional solutions that fit their practice model," said David Henriksen, senior vice president and general manager of McKesson's Physician Practice Solutions. "Our EHR blends the best of both worlds, and when combined with our practice management systems we're able to meet chiropractors' needs from all angles."

The 12 templates prompt chiropractors through the patient examination process, with point-and-click documentation of symptoms for common conditions including low-back pain, sciatica, neck pain and fibromyalgia. A core part of the solution is Bright Note Technology^™, which enables physicians to use their preferred method for charting to capture data in a single note and, with one touch, synchronize the data across the entire patient chart. The approach gives physicians quick access to vital patient information, allowing them to focus more attention on patient interaction.

As part of its Achieve HIT stimulus program, McKesson has introduced incentives for its Medisoft, Lytec and Practice Partner EHR solutions to help reduce the cost barriers associated with physician adoption of EHRs. Chiropractors are eligible for a rebate of $1,500 for the first provider and $750 for each additional provider. During the promotional period, which is valid through March 25, 2011, the chiropractic template set is included in the price.

McKesson's comprehensive portfolio of physician solutions is designed to reduce time spent on administrative tasks and help to meet the needs of running a modern practice. As the source for solutions that improve practice performance, McKesson's offering includes clinical and EHR software, as well as business management and revenue management solutions. The company also provides connectivity solutions for health information exchange and medical-surgical equipment and supplies.