Black Duck pushing open source health IT solutions
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Along with the "usual suspects" like VistA and OpenEMR, the Black Duck report highlights such projects as PatientOS, an EHR system now being expanded into a full hospital suite; tkfp, a family practice system developed in Mason City, Iowa,; and dcm4che, a Java-based image management system. (Picture from tkfp.)
Many practices don't pursue open source solutions because their business is complex and learning the software can be hard. Tkfp admits this on its Sourceforge page.
When asked why she has stuck with Tkfp in spite of the steep learning curve and beta status, Becky answered characteristically, "Because were &*$%!@ dirt poor, what else would you think!"
Once a practice becomes large enough to afford a full time IT staffer, having that person explore open source solutions is a good way for them to justify their pay and for the practice to save money.
Why don't more do it?