I expect Encore to partner with IBM on projects in the US and global markets. Although there may be some overlap in skill sets, the size and scope of projects IBM pursues is beyond our reach. And the technologies IBM has developed are relevant to the solutions Encore is promoting. We’re already in discussion with IBM’s software group and have been contacted to help staff deals IBM is pursuing in the global markets. This is a relationship that should be synergistic.

Thanks for the question. If you have more, feel free to contact me at the address at the top of the interview.

Ivo

“With the implementations of EHRs and other systems, hospitals have begun to capture lots of data, but many find that they still don’t have even the basic reports they need to run their operations. It has been well demonstrated in other industries that investments to access and transform this data provide
real, quantifiable, measureable value. We believe that similar ROIs including increased revenues will be demonstrated for hospitals and physician organizations.”

Nice review Ivo. I also like your comments in support of the entrepreneurial spirit in transforming todays healthcare.

Best,

Don

1. Is Encore going to be strictly an acute consulting shop?

Encore will provide services to the provider market including hospitals (inpatient and ambulatory) and physician organizations. We’ll provide experienced clinical and business specialists who can help implement and derive value from healthcare IT.

2. Is Encore primarily being founded on the belief that the payment for hospitals is gradually being shifted away from a volume intensity driven only business (e.g., DRGs) to one where it is be increasing important to get paid for delivering/not-delivering specific results and having to reveal those results publicly?

Encore is being founded to provide services that can assist provider organizations implement and use technology and associated data to navigate through the shifts and changes that healthcare reform will drive. While the reimbursement models must change, how and when they will change is yet to be determined. But clearly the ability to report and analyze data to comply and respond to changing reimbursement modeis will be critical.

3. Kind of a follow-up question to 2 is that while it is ideal that hospitals strive to drive meaningful improvements in quality and safety, do you think there is enough profit upside for a hospital to hire out consultants (or several) in this area? Delta change in metric(s) X results will result in ultimately result in
increased revenue(s) Y for the hospital

With the implementations of EHRs and other systems, hospitals have begun to capture lots of data, but many find that they still don’t have even the basic reports they need to run their operations. It has been well demonstrated in other industries that investments to access and transform this data provide
real, quantifiable, measureable value. We believe that similar ROIs including increased revenues will be demonstrated for hospitals and physician organizations.

Feel free to make other comments or email me directly at ivo@encorehealthresources.com

Ivo

To Lazlo’s comment…I get the sense that Encore’s going to anticipate market direction and focus on being trustworthy advisers to their clients. It doesn’t seem like Ivo has the answers to your questions completely figured out…yet.