Our Services: Information Technology

The Network hosts and maintains state-of-the-art practice management software for its member clinics. Five of the Network’s clinics have moved from separate information system operations into a shared computer network utilizing GE’s award-winning Centricity Physician Office Practice Management software. The web-hosted practice management system provides the community clinics with electronic billing and clinic administration tools equal to those in for-profit settings, and the economies of scale related to the Network’s shared system mean lower costs to participating member clinics. Expertise to support the practice management system is provided through the Network. In late 2007, the Network migrated its shared practice management system to a new world-class data center environment to improve its service level and reduce long-term costs.

In 2007, the Network is also working with participating clinics in selecting and implementing a shared Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. As more and more health care providers begin using EHRs, and as payors begin expecting and eventually requiring their use, it is critical that community clinics have access to EHR tools that fit their unique practices and needs. This year the Network, working with Stratis Health, assisted these clinics in completing an EHR readiness assessment in early 2007 and are currently conducting EHR joint planning and fundraising, with system selection and implementation scheduled for 2008. The Network will also be working with clinic members already on EHR systems to coordinate shared learning and explore data exchange across the systems.

The Network further leverages its staff expertise by providing outsourced business office services to a Minneapolis clinic. These services include charge & payment entry, insurance claim filing & followup, and Accounts Receivable management

For more information on this business area, please contact:
IT:Joe.kalaidis@nhcn.org