HCA announced the signing of an agreement to purchase PatientKeeper, provider of intuitive software and mobile apps that help physicians access and work with patient information.

PatientKeeper is a privately held company that provides apps for physicians that run on architecture that overlay hospital IT systems. These applications provide physicians with a set of electronic tools to automate their day in a way that saves them time and allows them to better focus on patient care.

The combined companies will continue to enhance and expand PatientKeeper product offerings.This purchase will facilitate the continued development of HCA’s electronic health record and enable HCA to provide physicians a number of capabilities, including computerized physician order entry (CPOE), medication reconciliation, and documentation. Furthermore, the combined companies will continue to enhance and expand PatientKeeper product offerings.

“Our combined companies are positioned to provide a unique approach to the electronic health record that will foster the safest and most effective care for our patients.,” said Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin, HCA’s Chief Medical Officer and President, Clinical Services Group.

Following the completion of the sale, PatientKeeper’s current President and CEO, Paul Brient, will serve as CEO of the organization, which will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of HCA. PatientKeeper’s approximately 160 employees will continue to serve the company’s more than 100 clients and market its products from the company’s headquarters in Waltham, Mass.

HCA expects to complete the transaction later this year. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Raymond James Health Care Banking acted as financial advisor to PatientKeeper in this transaction.

HCA operates 164 hospitals and 114 surgery centers in 20 states and England.