SAIC acquisition will expand its electronic health records offerings

Science Applications International Corp. is increasing its footprint in the government healthcare area with the acquisition of Vitalize Consulting Solutions Inc., a provider of clinical, business and IT services for healthcare enterprises.

The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

VCS provides a comprehensive range of healthcare IT services including strategic consulting, system implementation, operational improvement, custom reporting, training, education and knowledge transfer, according to the July 21 SAIC announcement.

The company specializes in implementation and optimization of electronic health record systems from major commercial-off-the-shelf vendors, as well others within the ambulatory and practice management arenas.

Although VCS primarily serves customers in the commercial hospital market that are implementing EHR products and systems, the acquisition will strengthen SAIC's existing government health solutions business because federal customers are also expected to use commercial products in the development and enhancement of their EHR solutions, the announcement said.

This is expected to provide further opportunities for SAIC’s growth as commercial and federal health markets converge.

As a result of the deal, approximately 600 VCS employees will join SAIC's Health Solutions Business Unit, which is a part of the Health, Energy and Civil Solutions Group, led by SAIC Group President Joe Craver.

The acquisition is expected to close in early August, subject to customary closing conditions.

SAIC Corp., of McLean, Va., ranks No. 6 on Washington Technology’s 2011 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.