MD Physician Services (formerly Practice Solutions) Update

January 26, 2011

The Physician Office System Program (POSP) supports physicians in the implementation and use of an electronic medical record (EMR) to facilitate patient care. There are currently three VCUR 2008 EMR solutions available in Alberta that are eligible for reimbursement through POSP-MD Physician Services (formerly Practice Solutions), Med Access and Wolf Medical Systems.

In September 2010, physicians raised concerns that MD Physician Services (formerly Practice Solutions) was experiencing difficulties implementing their EMR solutions in the Alberta market. As a result, POSP Committee required that MD Physician Services (formerly Practice Solutions) submit a plan to address deficiencies and issues, and in 90 days provide a final report on progress. MD Physician Services (formerly Practice Solutions) voluntarily ceased signing new contracts and delayed pending implementations to focus attention on improving the experience of a group of clinics that were actively implementing at that time.

MD Physician Services (formerly Practice Solutions) provided a final report on the progress against the action plan on January 12, 2011.These results have been validated with the physicians in the clinics where PS focused its plan. MD Physician Services (formerly Practice Solutions) has made significant investment in improving process and product, increasing staffing and understanding the needs of the Alberta marketplace.

Based on this progress, POSP Committee supports MD Physician Services (formerly Practice Solutions) in lifting its voluntary restriction on signing new contracts and returns MD Physician Services (formerly Practice Solutions) to the standard monitoring process provided by POSP and Alberta Health and Wellness through the Master Services Agreement.

POSP Committee thanks the physicians of Alberta for sharing their concerns and for your patience while this matter was being addressed.

The success of the electronic medical records program in Alberta is of vital importance to the overall success of Alberta's electronic health record program. Your continued participation and investment in improving care for you patients through the adoption and optimal use of an electronic medical records solution is one of the most critical factors.

The qualified service providers (QSPs) continue to streamline their processes as they gain experience in implementing EMRs in Alberta. POSP advises all physicians to ensure due diligence is followed in assessing the capabilities and performance of all QSPs prior to signing a contract. POSP change management advisors and portfolio coordinators are your dedicated resource to assist physicians in identifying business requirements and successfully implementing an EMR solution. If you have further questions, please contact your change management advisor or email POSP or toll-free 1.866.817.3875.