McKesson Partners with Regional Extension Centers to Drive EHR Adoption at Primary Care Practices
Physician Practice group supports RECs’ efforts to help physicians achieve meaningful use of EHRs.
Atlanta, February 9, 2011—McKesson announced that it is teaming with regional extension centers (RECs) nationwide to help thousands of physicians become meaningful users of electronic health record (EHR) technology. More than 25 RECs established under the Health Information Technology Extension Program are working with McKesson to help physicians adopt and demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHRs so they can improve primary care and qualify for federal funding.
Beyond simply providing technology, McKesson is offering a certification program tailored specifically to the RECs to educate them on how to implement and optimize McKesson’s systems to support providers in their journey toward meaningful use. With a network of more than 200 resellers across the country, McKesson’s physician practice group is further supporting RECs by connecting them with its large value-added reseller (VAR) channel and customer base of more than 100,000 providers.
“McKesson already has proven to be a valuable resource to the North Texas REC,” said Mike Alverson, executive director, North Texas Regional Extension Center. “The company is committed to helping us equip our local primary care physicians with the tools they need to use EHRs effectively and deliver safer care to their patients. The team has hosted community events that have proven to be a powerful platform for physicians considering EHR solutions.”
To date, McKesson has sponsored webinars and more than 22 events to promote the benefits of the technology. McKesson also has developed a dedicated team to advise RECs on the best business models to optimize adoption in their respective markets. Each REC is approaching its market with different models, with the goal of being self-sustaining entities by 2014.
“McKesson has taken a leadership role in helping us define the right approach to achieve success in promoting EHR adoption,” said Lisa Rawlins, executive director, South Florida Regional Extension Center. “We look forward to continuing our work with them over the next several years to help our physicians achieve meaningful use and bring vitality into their practices.”
“McKesson stands firmly aligned with the mission of the Regional Extension Centers in driving the efficient adoption and utilization of electronic health records,” said David Henriksen, senior vice president and general manager of McKesson’s Physician Practice Solutions group. “Our healthcare system needs vital and thriving primary care practices to enhance care quality and coordination and drive down costs. McKesson applauds the role of the RECs in engaging and assisting small practices around the country.”
About McKesson
McKesson Corporation, currently ranked 14th on the FORTUNE 500, is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to helping its customers deliver high-quality healthcare by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and improving the quality and safety of patient care. Over the course of its 178-year history, McKesson has grown by providing pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management across the spectrum of care; healthcare information technology for hospitals, physicians, homecare and payers; hospital and retail pharmacy automation; and services for manufacturers and payers designed to improve outcomes for patients. For more information, visit http://www.mckesson.com.