PHNS to obtain federal electronic health record stimulus funds

PHNS Inc. announced that it has been engaged by NorthBay Healthcare (NorthBay), Fairfield, California, to assess its readiness to obtain federal electronic health record stimulus funds. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides approximately $34 billion of federal funds for improved electronic health records and connectivity to improve patient care and quality.

NorthBay’s vision includes the development of new advanced EMR functionality and in turn enhancing existing services to patients. It is partnering with PHNS to provide an ARRA stimulus funds readiness assessment as a step in continuing to realize that vision. PHNS’ assessment will include a gap analysis and strategic plan that closes any gaps identified between current functionality and the ARRA “Meaningful Use” Requirements.

“PHNS has been a strong public advocate of the importance of using ARRA funds to assist hospitals and physicians in providing improved patient care and quality through electronic health records and other ‘state of the art’ clinical technologies,” said Dan Allison, CEO of PHNS. “We are very pleased to assist NorthBay, which has a very strong vision to continually develop new services and enhance existing services for the benefit of its patients, and we look forward to helping NorthBay successfully meet the meaningful use requirements and obtain ARRA funds to continue to implement its patient care vision.”

“NorthBay looks forward to working with PHNS, which will assist NorthBay with a readiness assessment, the development of a gap analysis, evaluation of alternative options, and putting into place a strategic plan to continue to support our organization’s strategic plan and the IT vision of an comprehensive, integrated EMR for the enterprise, while, at the same time maximize funds available through the ARRA,” said Paul Alcala, NorthBay CIO.