Illinois-based developer of healthcare related imaging software solutions, Merge Healthcare Incorporated has signed on NextGen Healthcare as its strategic partner. NextGen Healthcare is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quality Systems, Inc. a provider of integrated clinical, connectivity and financial solutions.
This combined solution will not only expedite the successful transfer of imaging orders, but will also encourage patients to follow through on imaging appointments. Both companies believe that the partnership will help cater to the major challenges that impede healthcare organizations, such as provider relations and inefficiencies within the medical image ordering process.
In Oct 2014, Merge Healthcare had upgraded its existing iConnect Network by adding new features to enable its customers to optimize their referral networks and maximize reimbursements.
We believe the resultant advanced networking system, which incorporates the upgraded version of iConnect Network, will help healthcare organizations to further streamline workflow, reduce costs, increase referrals and meet Meaningful Use (MU) requirements.
Management at Merge Healthcare is enthusiastic about this collaboration with hopes that it will improve patient care standards and physician satisfaction, and also advance interoperability services. The transmission of imaging orders made possible by this association marks a significant milestone in healthcare information technology.
Notably, Merge Healthcare signed 7 new customers for iConnect Network in the last reported quarter, bringing the total tally to 29 customers since the system was launched early in the year. We believe this strategic partnership will attract more customers to adopt the iConnect Network going forward, which will only mean more revenues for Merge Healthcare.
Zacks Rank
Currently, Merge Healthcare bears a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) while Quality Systems retains a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some other well-placed stocks worth reckoning in the medical sector are Affymetrix Inc. (AFFX – Analyst Report) and ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANIP – Snapshot Report). Both the stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
