Dell Services to Streamline Point of Care and Back Office Operations for The Methodist Hospital Physician Organization

    --  Physicians with The Methodist Hospital Physician Organization (PO) will
        coordinate, deliver, and follow-up on care through a unified
        EMR/practice management suite
    --  Dell Services is providing implementation, hosting, support, training,
        and revenue cycle services

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Methodist Hospital in Houston and Dell Services announced today an agreement that will enable The Methodist Hospital Physician Organization (PO) to further coordinate and streamline clinical care delivery. The agreement includes the launch of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) platform that will be fully integrated with a new practice management system, meaning functions such as scheduling and billing will be tied to a patient's medical record.

The improved coordination can save time and reduce errors, benefiting patients, physicians, clinicians and other Methodist physician organization staff. Dell will deploy the EMR and practice management suite at five hospitals in the Methodist system and will provide ongoing hosting and software support, while also utilizing onsite and offsite resources to deliver comprehensive revenue cycle solutions. In addition, the company will provide training and support to the 289 Methodist physicians and their staff who serve patients across a range of specialties.

By deploying leading-edge EMR and practice management technology, Methodist will not only streamline operations, it will be better positioned to achieve American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009) "Meaningful Use" standards. The agreement announced today furthers the relationship between the hospital and Dell, building upon earlier agreements related to hardware and the provision of EMRs to affiliated physicians.

Quotes

Ayse McCracken, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The Methodist Hospital Physician Organization:

"Meeting our mission of providing high quality, cost-effective health care requires that we equip our physicians and staff with state-of-the-art tools and technology. We are excited to work with Dell to deploy an Electronic Medical Record platform that is fully integrated with a practice management suite, allowing us to strengthen patient interaction before, during and after the office visit."

Berk Smith, President, Dell Services Healthcare:

"As one of the nation's leading hospital systems, The Methodist Hospital is adept at utilizing technology to optimize clinical functions while safeguarding secure patient information. We are excited about the opportunity to work with the Physician Organization to deliver EMR and practice management services while building upon the existing relationship between Methodist and Dell."

About The Methodist Hospital System

The Methodist Hospital System in Houston is one of the nation's largest private, non-profit general hospitals comprised of a major academic medical center, four community hospitals, a physician organization and a research institute. Methodist is primarily affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian. Methodist also is affiliated with the University of Houston.

The Methodist Hospital is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of Americas "Best Hospitals." The hospital ranked in more specialties than any other hospital in Texas. Methodist has also been ranked for five consecutive years as one of FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For."

About DELL

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers worldwide innovative technology and business solutions they trust and value. Dell Services develops and delivers a comprehensive suite of IT and application services, business process solutions and consulting services designed to help customers succeed.

    Source: Dell Inc.

Released October 27, 2010