Electronic Health Record Helps Hospitals Modernize and Be Positioned for ARRA Incentives
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- McKesson’s Paragon®, a hospital information solution (HIS) and electronic health record (EHR) system, has received EHR modular* certification — deeming the software capable of enabling providers to meet the Stage 1 meaningful use measures required to qualify for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Tested and certified under Drummond Group's Electronic Health Records Office of the National Coordinator Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB) program, the EHR software is 2011/2012 compliant in accordance with the criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
“ARRA provides a unique opportunity for hospitals to upgrade their IT systems and modernize their EHRs to support their clinicians and staff in delivering high-quality, cost-effective care,” said Jim Pesce, president, Paragon, McKesson Provider Technologies. “With its Microsoft®-based platform, Paragon offers a broad suite of integrated, user-friendly multidisciplinary clinical applications at an affordable cost. This certification reflects our commitment to support our customers in their quest to achieve meaningful use and move clinical care to new levels.”
Drummond Group’s ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 certification program tests and certifies that EHRs meet the meaningful use criteria for either eligible provider or hospital technology. In turn, healthcare providers using the EHR systems of certified vendors are qualified to receive federal stimulus monies upon demonstrating meaningful use of the technology — a key component of the federal government’s push to improve clinical care delivery through the adoption and effective use of EHRs by U.S. healthcare providers.
Paragon, which met the requirements for EHR modular certification, is a fully integrated clinical and financial hospital information system offering a low cost of ownership together with the benefits of familiar Microsoft® technology and architecture. Uniquely designed for today’s hospitals, from critical access to large health systems, Paragon enables organizations to keep pace with industry change by providing the functionality and technology required to meet current and future clinical and financial needs. For the past five consecutive years, Paragon has been named Best in KLAS for Community HIS.**
“The need for EHRs in the U.S. healthcare system has been acknowledged for many years. Drummond Group is proud to work with leading healthcare vendors and help them offer certified technologies to health providers across the country. With more than 10 years of software testing experience carried out in several industries and with sophisticated software systems, we are confident in our ability to offer an effective and cost-efficient testing process to the healthcare industry,” says Rik Drummond, CEO of Drummond Group. “The snowball effect could mean great things for clinical care in our country. We can help IT vendors certify their EHR systems – vendors can then help providers implement the EHR solutions to achieve meaningful use and receive incentive funds – and ultimately providers can leverage the systems to improve clinical care across the nation.”
“Since ARRA became law, McKesson has worked diligently to deliver functionality to Paragon so our customers are positioned to achieve meaningful use,” added Pesce. “We’re excited about achieving ONC-ATCB certification, but even more excited about building strong partnerships with hospitals and health systems in their quest to deliver the best care possible.”
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 177-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 www.mckesson.com.
* This EHR Module is 2011/2012 compliant and has been certified by an ONC-ATCB in accordance with the applicable certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This certification does not represent an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or guarantee the receipt of incentive payments. McKesson’s Paragon 10.0 was certified on December 17, 2010, Certification ID 12172010‐6254‐8.
** December 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, & 2006 “Top 20 Best in KLAS Awards: Software & Professional Services” report. www.KLASresearch.com
CONTACT:
McKesson Corporation
Yancey Casey, 404-338-2468
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