Humana, NextGen Healthcare to increase adoption and exchange of EHRs

NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Quality Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: QSII), and leading provider of healthcare information systems and connectivity solutions, announced today it has entered into an agreement with Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) to accelerate the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the exchange of critical health and billing information among health care providers.

The agreement falls under Humana's Medical Home EHR Rewards Program, whereby Humana will provide financial assistance to selected physicians for the purchase of NextGen® Ambulatory EHR and reward them for improved clinical performance.

Under this agreement, the two companies are working together to allow providers using the NextGen Ambulatory EHR to exchange patient health information with and receive payer transaction information from Humana, and then populate this critical data in the patient's record. This collaboration enables providers to know virtually every test and procedure done for a patient across his or her entire care community. It is one of the first steps toward eliminating duplicate and unnecessary tests, as well as achieving the goals of a medical home.

Humana will subsidize NextGen Ambulatory EHR licenses for qualifying providers affording them access to patient-specific, clinical quality information; advanced clinical decision support at the point of care; and opportunities for improved care coordination.

"Humana has been impressed with the comprehensive EHR and practice management system offered by NextGen Healthcare, and we are confident that it can play an important role in transforming the quality of the patient care delivered to our members," said Renee Buckingham, Vice President of Provider Engagement at Humana.

Scott Decker, President of NextGen Healthcare, added: "This is a great opportunity for Humana's participating providers to gain access to EHR and practice management solutions that can enhance their practices. In addition, we intend to further collaborate on connectivity solutions, as the market transitions to a totally integrated model that will drive better quality of life for patients, improved outcomes and lower healthcare costs."