M*Modal has partnered with Chicago-based Merge Healthcare to integrate its speech recognition and natural language understanding (NLU) technology across Merge’s portfolio of imaging and IT offerings.

Through this partnership, M*Modal, which also develops clinical documentation workflow technology, seeks to help Merge clients achieve meaningful use and contextual narrative capture.

[See also: Speech recognition market poised for growth.]

Officials say the two companies plan to accelerate adoption of these speech-based solutions across the Merge network of clients, including 1,500 hospitals and 6,000 clinics with such specialties as imaging (representing one third of all U.S. imaging centers), cardiology, orthopaedics and eye care, along with a full suite of clinical trials solutions.


Vern Davenport, chairman and CEO of M*Modal, says his company will provide Merge customers with speech-enabled solutions that "will increase access to key clinical data originating from the provider’s spoken word, meeting them at their current state of readiness. It’s that simple spoken word that enables caregivers to fully capture the patient story, extract clinically relevant data and ultimately enhance the physician’s user experience."

[See also: Merge Healthcare acquires Ophthalmic Imaging.]

“We value the innovative nature of M*Modal’s solutions and the company’s commitment to collaboration as it enables healthcare technology leaders like Merge to deliver innovation to its solution offerings that will ultimately enhance our customers’ ability to deliver care,” said Merge Healthcare CEO Jeff Surges.