NYC to distribute EMR at no cost

In a move heralded as a first of its kind, this week New York City officials announced plans to give free EMR technology to medical practices for whom 30 percent or more of their patient encounters are Medicaid-insured or uninsured. City officials say that they're the first state or large local government they're aware of which has tried this strategy (though states are arguably moving in this direction with e-prescribing technology). The city will distribute the software to about 1,500 practices, ranging from small groups to large clinics. The city spent $19.8 million on the new software, which comes from eClinicalWorks. The software offers not only an EMR function, but also billing and scheduling features. The eClinicalWorks technology will also remind doctors when a patient needs preventive care or screening, such as mammograms or flu shots. Once the software is installed, the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will track the data, and offer practices feedback on how effectively they're adhering to preventive care guidelines.

To learn more about the program:
- read this piece from The New York Times

ALSO: This deal is a big score for eClinicalWorks, which had about $40 million in revenues last year. Article

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