eWal-Mart?
Friday, March 13th, 2009I scare myself. Just after I posted my somewhat tongue-in-cheek CostcoCare blog, Wal-Mart announced it will partner with computer giant Dell and clinical software maker eClinicalWorks.
“The initiative — which is likely to create a huge splash in the EHR market — will start this spring, the New York Times reported. The Wal-Mart system would give doctors a desktop or laptop option, the Times reported, using its massive buying clout to get discounted prices on hardware and software components.”
Wal-Mart intends to offer hardware, software, installation, maintenance and training. Sometime this spring, Sam’s Club, a Wal-Mart offshoot, will offer a $25,000 package to the first physician in the practice and $10,000 for each additional physician. Continuing maintenance costs will be between $4000 and $6500 per year, by company estimates. Wal-Mart saw an opening created by the stimulus recovery bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act), which earmarked $17 billion in incentives to get physicians to convert to an EMR.
Wow. Wal-Mart is a nimble giant. Now you can get an EMR along with your 24 rolls of toilet paper.