Medsphere Systems Corporation today announced the successful phase one deployment of its Open Source-based OpenVista®electronic health record (EHR) at Century City Doctors Hospital (CCDH) in Los Angeles. The project was completed on an ambitious four-month timetable that enabled the 176-bed acute care facility to meet a self-imposed goal of implementing OpenVista and Keane's Patcom system by the end of December.
The first phase of the CCDH project equipped the hospital's 400 physicians and 500 staff members with the bulk of OpenVista functionality, including Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA). It also integrated OpenVista with Keane's financial systems based on a joint implementation methodology previously developed under a partnership between the two companies.
"We attempted to convert our information systems platform to OpenVista and Keane on an extremely aggressive schedule that we don't think has ever been done before, said David Kerrins, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at CCDH. "Medsphere was able to deliver by the deadline without compromising patient care or our ability to generate a bill. We fully expect the rest of the project to be completed on time and for CCDH to be completely paper-lite by the end of 2008.
The second phase of implementation at CCDH, now under way, will include deployment of OpenVista's Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) functionality, as well as system integration with a variety of third-party applications.
"This deployment is a major step in the acceptance of Open Source technology in the medical community and a model for other hospitals with electronic health record initiatives, said Medsphere CEO Michael J. Doyle. "Tremendous collaboration was required among the three partners to pull this off.
"The speed to outcome of four months from project initiation to Go Live is unprecedented in the industry. Right now, Medsphere has more live implementations than any other company in the space, demonstrating that Open Source is the future of healthcare IT.
The CCDH implementation is the latest endorsement of Medsphere's commercial Open Source strategy. The OpenVista platform is based on the Open Source VistA EHR system developed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, used in all VA facilities, and credited with helping turn the VA into a national leader in quality patient care. Medsphere has enhanced VistA to meet the needs of non-VA healthcare providers and added professional services, ongoing product development, and 24x7 technical support, providing the safety of a professional Open Source delivery model without expensive up-front proprietary license fees. The company is also building the largest collaborative ecosystem in healthcare, providing OpenVista users with access to a vibrant and cost-saving development and support resource that eliminates traditional industry frustrations like vendor lock.
The CCDH implementation is one in a recent series of events at Medsphere that includes Doyle taking over leadership as CEO, Rick Jung coming onboard as chief marketing officer, and Scott McMullen joining as vice president of engineering. The company's current activities include OpenVista implementations at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and facilities in the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WV DHHR). The system is already in use at Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, Texas, several WV DHHR facilities, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Indian Health Service, and a variety of other care delivery organizations.
About Century City Doctors Hospital
Century City Doctors Hospital (CCDH) is Los Angeles' newest acute care hospital and one of the largest physician-owned and operated hospitals in the country. Opened in 2005, the 176 licensed-bed facility provides the Westside communities of Los Angeles with superior medical care, a fully digital campus, and five-star personalized service. Salus Surgical Group of Beverly Hills and more than 170 physician investors leased CCDH, providing almost $100 million to date for refurbishment and equipment. For more information, visit www.ccdoctorshospital.com
About Medsphere Systems Corporation
As the Open Source source for healthcare, Medsphere is revolutionizing the industry by delivering commercially supported software based on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' proven VistA electronic health record (EHR). Medsphere offers healthcare an economically sustainable and comprehensive solution in OpenVista®, a portfolio of products and professional services for hospitals, clinics and integrated delivery networks. The company addresses the capital constraints of the healthcare industry through an innovative subscription-based pricing model. Medsphere's experienced team of healthcare technology professionals and unique suite of implementation tools deliver a fluid transition to a comprehensive healthcare information technology solution. Founded in 2002, Medsphere is backed financially by Azure Capital Partners, Thomas Weisel Venture Partners, and the Wasatch Venture Fund. For more information, visit http://www.medsphere.com.
