A new contest being launched by CDW Healthcare, part of the public sector subsidiary of CDW Corporation, and Cerner Corporation offers physician practices nationwide the opportunity to win a free electronic health record system.

To enter the Tech Rx Transformation Contest U.S.- based physician practices can submit a description about why their practice needs an EHR. To check practice eligibility click here.

The winning practice will receive a technology solution package, including laptops, desktops, networking equipment, EHR and practice management applications, storage devices, printers, scanners, operating systems and dictation software, which officials said is valued up to $50,000.

"Although the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) offers billions in incentives for healthcare IT adoption, many physician practices have been reluctant to embrace technologies," said Bob Rossi, vice president, CDW Healthcare. "By collaborating with Cerner, we can help address many of the primary challenges facing small to mid-sized practices and offer the technologies, services and support necessary for a successful EHR initiative."

The Tech Rx Transformation Contest judging panel will select three finalists to participate in a special event in March at the Healthcare Information Management Systems Society's  2010 Annual Conference in Atlanta, Ga., during which CDW Healthcare will announce the grand prize winner.

"Cerner's collaboration with CDW Healthcare is about making EHR selection, implementation and support easy for busy physician offices," said Shellee Spring, Cerner senior vice president.

The contest is open until Jan. 22, 2010.