Telus Acquires MD Practice Software to Become Largest Electronic Medical Records Provider

Vancouver-based Telus is acquiring MD Practice Software, part of a subsidiary of the Canadian Medical Association. The terms of the deal not disclosed.

Specifically, Telus Health is buying the business, which is the largest electronic medical record business in Ontario. According to Telus, the move will bring the number of doctors in Canada who use electronic medical records to 9,000.

“Telus Health firmly believes that by securely connecting physicians to the broader healthcare continuum and facilitating confidential interactions between the patient and their full care teams, we will further realize our vision of turning information into better health outcomes,” said Paul Lepage, president of Telus Health.

Canada lags Europe in adopting electronic medical records. The penetration is more than 90% in parts of Europe. In Canada, it’s only 56%, Telus says.

“We are proud of the support we have provided physicians and our involvement in the evolution of EMR platforms, assisting in fundamentally changing the nature of healthcare,” said Mike Gassewitz, president of MD Practice Software.

As a result of the acquisition, Telus Health is now the largest electronic medical records provider in Canada.

“The most important concern for physicians is to provide the highest quality health care to their patients,” added Dr. Anna Reid, President of the Canadian Medical Association. “Electronic medical records that connect front line physicians with health care teams are an important tool in delivering high-quality care.”