General Dynamics to collaborate with MPT to offer EHR solution to DoD

General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has entered into a letter of intent with McKesson Provider Technologies to collaborate in offering an Electronic Health Record (EHR) solution known as the "Way Ahead" to the Department of Defense (DoD). The EHR solution can be used by each military service to maintain a centralized record for its medical beneficiaries and provides for a seamless transition from legacy systems and rapid incorporation of future innovations.

McKesson Provider Technologies (MPT) is part of McKesson Corporation, a healthcare services and information-technology company and a leading provider of commercial EHR, patient/physician connectivity and health information exchange (HIE) solutions.  

General Dynamics plans to leverage its systems integration expertise and DoD medical information-technology knowledge to develop a comprehensive, consolidated solution for DoD healthcare providers. The companies can deploy, sustain and support the distinct EHRs worldwide for dispersed personnel.

"The ability of the Department of Defense to provide a centralized electronic health record for its medical beneficiaries will streamline and improve healthcare by reducing testing, minimizing surgery and avoiding deadly drug interactions," said Dan Johnson, president of General Dynamics Information Technology. "General Dynamics' experience supporting the Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care (MC4) program allows us to combine the proven capabilities of McKesson's EHR solution with the systems integration and IT operations and maintenance expertise needed for optimal deployment in DoD facilities."

"As the largest provider of healthcare services and IT, McKesson has deep expertise in what's required to deploy clinical systems, drive adoption and improve outcomes, and we believe our knowledge can benefit the military health community," said James Walsh, senior vice president at McKesson.  "Through the proposed relationship with General Dynamics, we are excited about the opportunity to offer a single solution with the capability to modernize how the DoD provides care to its millions of beneficiaries."