Cloud-Based EHRs Could Save Docs From Acquisition

Upgrading software to more fully integrate revenue cycle management, practice management and electronic health records may be the key to helping thousands of physician practices remain independent, according to a new Black Book survey.

Federal mandates to adopt health IT are driving independent physicians to join hospitals or health systems that can handle the technology while the docs continue to focus on their patients. Yet a majority of independent providers want to remain that way, according to Black Book senior partner Douglas Brown.

"Profit challenges have forced the number of practices actively seeking acquisition to more than to triple until recently, as cloud EHRs with RCM innovations have given independents new hope," Brown said.