Mediware has acquired BlueStrata EHR, a cloud-based software system focused on the skilled nursing and assisted living markets.

The acquisition will allow Mediware to expand into the long-term care market, said Mediware chief operating officer Steve Morgan.

“This is complementing the portfolio of software solutions that we have in place,” he told McKnight’s.

Mediware, based in Lenexa, KS, was first founded in 1970 and focused for decades on blood banking and pharmacy systems. Last year, it was bought by TPG Capital and, with its backing, acquired Kinnser Software, which provides home health and hospice solutions. In July, Mediware also acquired Fazzi Associates, the largest medical coding provider in home health and hospice.

As Mediware focused on post-acute care, the company did a “comprehensive scan of the market” before deciding to pursue BlueStrata, filling a gap in skilled nursing, Morgan said.

For existing Mediware clients, the business strategy will focus on helping clients with patients moving through the care continuum who “fluctuate from one setting to another.”

“We share Mediware’s focus on great company culture and excellent customer service, so we believe this will truly help and benefit our customers,” commented Todd Holtmann, president of BlueStrata.

Clients are unlikely to notice any disruption, Morgan said.

Mediware will retain BlueStrata’s St. Louis offices and no decrease in staff is expected.

“The plans are more about how we plan to invest in that platform and leverage the broader Mediware platform,” Morgan said. “We want to leverage technology.”

The company is already focused on the next generation of leveraging digitized health records, he added.