The McKesson Corporation is targeting the small, independent practice market with a pair of apps designed to give physicians mobile access to their practice management systems.
The Atlanta-based company has unveiled Medisoft Mobile and Lytec Mobile, two no-fee applications for the iPad and iPhone that are available for download at the Apple App Store. Both apps are designed to give physicians in small and solo practices integrated access to their Medisoft V18 or Lytec 2013 PM platforms.
Both apps allow physicians to access their PM systems from a tablet or iPhone to view schedules and transmit charges, diagnosis codes and other notes to the front desk or billing resource. Company officials say the mobile platform also reduces paper bills, helps streamline documentation and reduces the chance of data-entry errors.
“Like most small practices, our Medisoft customers are facing the challenge of reduced Medicare reimbursements and need new ways to gain efficiencies and enhance revenue generation,” said David Henriksen, senior vice president of McKesson Physician Practice Solutions, in a March 20 press release. “By improving accessibility and optimizing data capture, Medisoft Mobile can help them do just that. Our customers are excited about the potential of mobile in their practices, and we’re happy to be able to offer this solution to them.”
McKesson's strategy falls in line with recent studies that indicate physicians are embracing mHealth as a means of improving their workflows, enhancing the quality of care and improving back-end business practices. According to Manhattan Research, the rate of physician adoption of tablets for professional purposes doubled between 2011 and 2012, with at least half using those devices at the point of care.
“We implemented the (Medisoft Mobile) application for one of our billing clients and it has reduced the time to enter charges by over 60 percent,” said Cheryl Gerlitz, owner of MD Solutions, A Denver-based EHR integrator, in a press release issued by McKesson. “This allows us to focus on working the accounts receivable rather than charge entry. The doctor and his staff are excited because they don’t have to track down missing encounter forms because of this application.”
“The Lytec Mobile application has made me more accountable for what I am billing, and I don’t feel like I am missing patient visits or charges anymore,” added Alison Oswald, MD, of WingHaven Pediatrics, LLC, of O'Fallon, Mo., in a separate McKesson release.
