New York University and Health Data Management launch new healthcare software testing facility

The Polytechnic Institute of New York University and Health Data Management, the premier print and online publication for healthcare IT executives, today announced the launch of a new healthcare software testing facility.

Health Data Tech Labs (www.healthdatatechlabs.com) will provide physicians and hospitals with expert, independent reviews of electronic health records (EHR) software. Reports evaluate installation and maintenance, system configuration, user training and "test drive" use-case scenarios. They also incorporate a unique self-evaluation process that enables professionals to match systems to their own specific requirements.

"With some 300 EHR packages to choose from, doctors and hospitals have a pressing need for guidance and insight," said John McCormick, Editorial Director, Health Data Management, "Our reports are designed to help EHR decision-makers narrow their options and provide an independent review of a software package before they make a decision."

The launch of this new offering will coincide with the opening of the reimbursement period for the U.S. government's $27 billion incentive program to drive the adoption of electronic health records. To qualify for the majority of the reimbursements, healthcare providers must demonstrate "meaningful use" of electronic health record systems by the end of 2011.

But "meaningful use" incentives in most cases will cover only part of an EHR's cost. According to McCormick, the full price of implementation can range from $25,000 to $100,000 per physician office -- making it all the more vital for physicians and their staffs to have access to a trusted information resource that will ensure they make the right purchase decision.

"Most physician practices and many small hospitals cannot afford to hire the team of consultants it takes to evaluate and test EHR software," said Robert Whitaker, senior vice president and group publisher. "Tech Labs provides a cost-effective way for healthcare providers to do their due diligence quickly before making a sizable investment."

Health Data Tech Labs was created under the direction of an advisory board composed of prominent doctors, nurses, chief medical information officers and practice administrators from across the country. New reports will be posted to www.healthdatatechlabs.com every other week and reports are priced at $299 with additional discounts for healthcare providers. Health Data Tech Labs testing environment runs on hardware provided by Dell.