The Gift That Keeps Giving

An Imaginary conversation spoken softly in a plush office behind closed doors.

CEO: We really took a hit fourth quarter. Why were the numbers so bad?

CFO: Well, acquiring SER (small EMR company) tightened our cash flow, and we have yet to convert those customers. 

CEO: Convert? When's that press release going out?

CFO: By next week.  It will take a few months for the clinicians to realize that their platform is being discontinued.  Our upgrade, which will cost roughly thirty thousand a physician, will be ready by March.  I figure we'll convert ninety percent given it would cost double to implement a new system.  We can also sneak in some upgraded hardware.  That could increase profits by ten percent. 

CEO: Ha!  They have no idea what's about to hit them.  What about that big account we just lost?

CFO: Government regulators shut them down.  Something about inadequate documentation.  Really a tragedy.  It kills our customer base a bit, but all those patient records need to go somewhere.  I think we may be able to package up the platform to their competitors.  That should make it easier for them to gobble up all that new business.

CEO: And of course, there's meaningful use?

CFO: Yep!  Now that the new rules are being finalized, we can role out a bunch of upgrades.  Money in the bank.

CEO: Meaningful use.  Huh.  The gift that keeps giving.

CFO: And giving, and giving, and giving.