Fresenius Medical Care North America, operator of a network of dialysis facilities, today announced it has purchased Nashville-based Health IT Services Group (HITSG) and its portfolio of products including Acumen nEHR, a nephrology-specific electronic health record.
A web-enabled application designed by nephrologists for nephrologists, Acumen nEHR provides physician practices with a comprehensive clinical system integrating care within the physician practice, dialysis unit, hospital, pharmacy, laboratory and vascular access center. The system also addresses care for all patients of the nephrologist including those suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) that can lead to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or transplantation. This strategic acquisition is an important step for Fresenius Medical Care in further solidifying the company’s leadership position in renal care through the utilization of superior health information technology.
“This purchase will enable Fresenius Medical Care to further expand the availability of the signature Acumen nEHR product, and other innovative clinical IT solutions to nephrologists, which will enhance their efficiency and ability to provide superior clinical care for their patients. With this strategic acquisition, we continue to deliver on our goal of bringing a comprehensive service portfolio to nephrologists, for the benefit of patients. Acumen nEHR is another important component in strengthening our comprehensive strategic information technology offerings,” said Mats Wahlstrom, CO-CEO of Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA).
“Since our strategic partnership with Fresenius Medical Care in 2007, we have experienced tremendous growth in the Acumen brand of nephrology-specific tools that enhance a provider’s ability to deliver superior care to all of their patients with kidney disease,” said Dr. Franklin W. Maddux, founder of HITSG. “Fresenius Medical Care and HITSG share a deep commitment in supporting high quality medical care for patients with renal disease and advancing the tools and methods nephrologists use to provide that care.”
Dr. Maddux will become Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) for FMCNA, reporting to the Chief Medical Officer. “The appointment of Frank Maddux to this position emphasizes our belief that effective IT solutions create a strong competitive advantage for FMCNA and the physicians we support in providing excellent patient care.” said Wahlstrom.
This acquisition positions FMCNA to help nephrologists respond to the concepts of meaningful use of electronic health records and health information exchange emerging from the HIT stimulus provisions of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Additionally, the acquisition positions FMCNA to favorably respond to the evolving coordinated, preventive and chronic disease management care emphasized in the current healthcare reform provisions under legislative review.
