Rest in Peace

The Good, they do die young. Well maybe not always, but way too often. A broken dream, an early love, an opportunity we let go by. All gone with the wind and we are left to wonder: “What if?”

Unfortunately, one of my fears during the explosive wave of HIT adoption has started to come to pass. I have been concerned that too many of the flowers would be choked out by the weeds. In my work I have seen hundreds and hundreds of HIT applications. Some, while maybe not quite stillborn, were definitely dead on arrival. Somehow they found a way to exist. Others never got their day in the sun that was deserved. This is my swan song to one of them.

I was first approached by an individual several years ago who had obtained EHR technology that had been used outside the US. The code had stood the test of time and over 3 million patients worldwide had their encounters documented with the platform. It was rock solid. This visionary brought it to the US and supported it with talented developers who created what was one of the most elegant and intuitive clinical documentation applications I have ever seen. Many applications use smoke and mirrors to pull off Quality Measures and reporting. These people did it the right way. They knew what they were doing and in a world where “Best of Breed” has become a sales slogan their EHR was actually “Best of Breed”. I always liked my time when I consulted with the team. I liked them all: the developers, the marketing and business types, the visionaries, and the guy with the wallet. When they called I answered on the first ring. They were so good they made me better. I had to be on my toes to keep up with them. What they were doing seems like a dream now. A beautiful dream carried aloft by people who wanted to see how good a product they could actually create. It was to be their gift to healthcare.

In the end it didn’t matter. In a market flooded, choked, and confused with wannabe EHRs and fueled by the short-term goal of financial incentives it never found the traction it needed. I saw the notice on their website this week. It was their obituary. I can’t blame the investors. How long can someone shovel cash into a furnace? In the end they took the high road, just as they had always done. They notified all users giving them ample notice and provided assistance in the transition and delivery of all heath records.

Sometimes death with dignity is better than living to 100 on a diet of oatmeal. Neil Young told us it was better to “burn out than to rust”. I don’t know if I really believe that since I’m getting a little rusty myself, but I appreciate the sentiment.

So for all those great EHRs that never found traction and died full of promise, rest in peace. For all those dreams we had in our youth but died in adulthood, rest in peace. For all those loves we thought would last a lifetime, rest in peace. Sleep gently dear EHR. You had much to offer. You deserved a better fate. Maybe this world, with all its lists and gravel and back office deals did not deserve you. Rest in peace. Maybe the angels could use a good EHR.

Jim Tate is founder of EMR Advocate and a nationally recognized expert on the CMS EHR Incentive Program, certified technology and meaningful use.