Healthcare Performance Group, Inc. (HPG), a provider of consulting services for EHR technology, recently announced its acquisition of Health Data Specialists, LLC (HDS), in a move to bolster the healthcare IT capabilities in its already robust consulting portfolio.

“We are thrilled to have HDS join the HPG family as we expand our ability to deliver results-oriented solutions for healthcare IT systems, applications, and workflows,” said Andy Flynn, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of HPG. “As we evolve together under the HPG name, we believe HDS clients will benefit from our extensive background and personalized strategies to maximize their EHR capabilities—driving increased efficiency, greater financial health, enhanced patient safety, and better health outcomes.”

HPG offers deep experience in Oracle Cerner and Epic systems, providing strategic and support services to optimize healthcare IT, maximize EHR platform capabilities, and improve performance across the enterprise. HDS’ expertise in Epic, Siemens, and Cerner platforms, as well as its project management, optimization, legacy system support, and managed services capabilities, will be integrated into HPG’s portfolio as one united company.

HPG’s consulting roster includes informatics and healthcare IT experts as well as nurses, pharmacists, radiology experts, pharmacists, certified revenue cycle professionals, program and projects managers, as well as medical executives. Providing deep background expertise in the healthcare industry along with an average of 22 or more years of healthcare IT/clinical experience for each consultant, offers a trusted partnership to clients in need of transformation.

Chief Executive Officer Bob Hayden, who along with partner Brent Budke founded HDS in 2003, said of the acquisition: “HDS has had a strong connection with HPG leadership for many years, and we have long respected the company’s vision and success. We’re extremely excited to join this partnership, and we know our clients and teammates who are joining HPG are in great hands.”

The acquisition comes at a time of steady M&A activity in the healthcare IT space, with recent moves including The Carlyle Group’s acquisition of CNSI, Ettain Group’s acquisition of Global Employment Solutions and Leidos Health, as well as the merger of Navin, Haffty & Associates with Engage IT Services. The healthcare IT market is estimated to grow by $121.75 billion between 2021 and 2025 at a CAGR of almost 10%, according to a 2021 research report by Technavio.