Company History

A community hospital niche. In 1984 company founders Tom Givens and John Doss combined their collective expertise in healthcare finance and computer technology to found the company that is now known as HMS. HMS’s niche in the rapidly changing healthcare industry was to provide smaller healthcare facilities with a cost-effective solution to their information systems needs.

Clinical products added; new software introduced. HMS embraced IBM's AS/400 as its new hardware platform and has remained an IBM Premier Business Partner. The technology platform’s stability provided an opportunity to add clinical products to its application suite and the development of the new products began. In 1990 HMS announced its new “native” software. The company expanded existing modules and began developing new modules including Patient Quality, Results Reporting, Scheduling and Time and Attendance.

Fast growth to nationwide presence . By 1995 the company had grown to 120 clients in 27 states. In 1999 and 2000 the Nashville Chamber of Commerce chose HMS as one of the “Future 50” fastest-growing companies in the city. In 2000 an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) became effective, giving each eligible employee a share in the ownership of HMS. In 2001, HMS received the "Best in KLAS" award from KLAS Enterprises – an important industry recognition.  

Comprehensive EHR introduced. Also in 2001, the company introduced an integrated Electronic Health Record and Clinical View, which gives clinicians a comprehensive look at electronic patient information, including lab results, vital signs, transcribed radiology reports, the patient’s pharmacy profile and more.  These products make information available in real time and remotely.

A new beginning. In 2005, Tom Givens and John Doss stepped down from day-to-day operations at HMS to take up new positions as chairman and vice-chairman of the board. Tom Stephenson, a 20-year veteran of HMS, became president and chief operating officer.  Another critical turning point in the growth of the company came in 2007, when Primus Capital acquired HMS and recapitalized the company to position it for the growth it is now experiencing. Tom Stephenson became President and CEO with that change. 

Clinical product line expanded. In 2007 HMS also introduced CPOE and achieved its first CCHIT certification. In 2009 the company announced the addition of HMS Ambulatory EHR, which included physician practice management and enabled its customers to offer an ambulatory solution to manage the continuum of care beyond the acute-care setting.  HMS EDIS was also introduced following the acquisition of MEDHOST by HealthTech Holdings, HMS' holding company. HMS Connex, an essential interoperability tool, was announced to address the Stage 1 meaningful use requirements for data exchange among separate entities.