Some large-scale hospitals and health care systems are stepping into new roles as software providers to help small physician practices and community clinics tap into their electronic health record systems, HealthLeaders Magazine reports.
The arrangement benefits large health care providers because it allows them to share patient records among a wider spectrum of care providers.
In addition, the relationship also benefits small-scale practices because it lowers their EHR adoption costs and increases the likelihood that their health IT systems will qualify for “meaningful use” under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package.
Experts say the practice of leasing EHR software to small-scale health care providers could help promote interoperability and strengthen a national health IT infrastructure.