HIT Advisory Services 2019
Seasoned vs. Developing Firms

^† In this report, KLAS defines developing firms in the HIT advisory services segment as those who are newer to HIT advisory work and KLAS measurement, have less validated experience, or have a core business offering outside of HIT advisory services. For a full definition, see page 3.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an HIT Advisory Firm

EXPERIENCE

Seasoned Firms Impact Advisors, Nordic, & Chartis Group Bring Strongest Experience & Consistently High Performance

On average, seasoned firms have almost twice as many validated engagements as newer entrants. Impact Advisors has the highest number of validated engagements. Clients specifically highlight the firm’s strategic expertise, longtime market presence, and experience in many different HIT advisory areas. They are the only firm with substantial validated experience in revenue cycle optimization. Nordic clients mention the firm’s hands-on guidance—which goes beyond just providing strategy recommendations—and frequently praise the firm’s knowledge and expertise, especially in regard to Epic. Chartis Group clients are pleased with the firm’s ability to adapt to unique needs. Some describe the firm as expensive but acknowledge that Chartis Group delivers high quality and desired outcomes. It should also be noted that Impact Advisors, Nordic, and Chartis Group have more validations than other firms in optimization work, the next phase of HIT advisory work. In contrast, developing firms perform well within the narrow scope of foundational HIT areas, like IT assessment. Prominence is an exception, specializing (and performing well) in HIT analytics.

PERFORMANCE

*Limited Data
^‡ Has one Best in KLAS win between 2009 and 2019

High Satisfaction for Huntzinger, Optimum, and ECG Clients Driven by Strong Services and Money's Worth; Leidos Health Has Highest Percentage of Unsatisfied Customers

Select firm Huntzinger Management Group has the highest overall performance in this report, with several clients saying the firm exceeded their expectations. Many say their Huntzinger resources had the specific knowledge needed to help clients be strategic. Clients appreciate ECG Management Consultants’ expertise with specific vendors/software and often report that projects are well organized and executed. Comprehensive firms Impact Advisors and Nordic also excel while more frequently taking on larger, more complex projects. Leidos Health has a relatively broad offering, but the client experience is polarized. While the majority of clients are satisfied, a small number have recently had negative experiences, resulting in the lowest overall performance score in this report. Unsatisfied clients say Leidos’ resources were knowledgeable but not fully leveraged, leading to “weak” or “unusable” project results.

Clients of developing firms report above average perceptions of money’s worth—they are less likely to cite pricing as an issue and often highlight the value of their firm’s accessibility. In terms of bench strength, clients praise individual consultants but report a general sense that developing firms are still working to build deep benches and solid expertise. Optimum Healthcare IT is the most experienced of the developing firms and is tied with Huntzinger and ECG for highest percentage of highly satisfied clients. Many clients appreciate that Optimum’s executives and consultants work to help stakeholders understand and implement the firm’s recommendations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

◊ This information was collected from various sources, including discussions with firm's clients, firm-reported information, and online research.