NextGen Healthcare to Power Arkansas Palliative Care’s Expansion with Technology-Driven Model
Arkansas Palliative Care, a specialized program under Arkansas Hospice, has selected NextGen Healthcare, a leader in cloud-based healthcare technology solutions, as its new technology partner. The collaboration marks a significant step forward for the nonprofit provider as it scales operations, enhances billing and data integrity, and strengthens its ability to deliver patient-centered care to seniors and those managing serious or chronic illnesses across the state.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
As Arkansas Palliative Care broadens its reach with new clinics and expanded services, the organization faced an urgent need for advanced digital solutions capable of supporting its unique delivery model. Unlike traditional providers, the organization combines palliative care with primary care services, often delivered directly in patients’ homes, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. To accommodate this complexity, leadership initiated a comprehensive search for a partner that could deliver flexibility, scalability, and seamless integration across programs.
According to Nikki Taylor, APRN, director of palliative and primary care at Arkansas Palliative Care, NextGen Healthcare emerged as the clear choice.
We were looking for a healthtech partner that understood our unique needs, as we are not a typical palliative or primary care provider,” Taylor explained. “Through a comprehensive search, we realized that NextGen Healthcare was exceptionally well-positioned to support the broad scope of our work helping Arkansas residents manage ongoing healthcare needs. We’re excited to see how these technology investments elevate billing and data integrity and improve the staff experience by automating tedious manual processes.
This partnership comes at a transformative moment: effective October 1, Arkansas Palliative Care and its parent organization, Arkansas Hospice, will unify under a new umbrella brand—LifeTouch Health. The rebranded entity will integrate palliative care, hospice, primary care, and non-medical personal care services to provide seniors and patients facing serious illness with a comprehensive continuum of care.
Leveraging NextGen’s Closed Loop™ Experience
At the heart of the collaboration is the NextGen® Closed Loop™ Experience, a suite of solutions designed to address multiple facets of healthcare operations while keeping patients at the center of care. Arkansas Palliative Care will implement:
- NextGen® Enterprise EHR (Electronic Health Record) and NextGen® Enterprise PM (Practice Management) solutions to improve interoperability across programs and ensure scalability as new clinics open.
- NextGen® Referrals powered by Luma to automate and streamline referrals and insurance verifications, reducing administrative burdens on staff.
- NextGen® Financial and Operational Analytics, which will strengthen data integrity, generate predictive insights, and enhance reporting capabilities for leadership.
- NextGen® Mobile, enabling providers to access patient records and charts quickly and securely from mobile devices while rounding at hospitals or delivering in-home care.
For patients, the integration of NextGen® Patient Engage powered by Luma, NextGen® PxP Portal, and NextGen Virtual Visits™ will offer new levels of convenience. These tools allow patients to complete pre-visit intake forms remotely, communicate securely with providers, and access telehealth visits—including 24/7 nurse practitioner consultations—expanding access to care for those in rural and underserved areas.
A Unique Care Delivery Model
Arkansas Palliative Care stands apart for its interdisciplinary, community-based approach. Beyond operating clinics and rounding at area hospitals, its team delivers both palliative and primary care directly into patients’ homes, nursing facilities, and assisted living centers. This model is particularly meaningful for older adults or patients managing multiple chronic conditions who may face difficulties traveling to appointments.
The organization also operates the only CMS-approved GUIDE program in Arkansas for comprehensive dementia care that is fully managed within the state. This initiative ensures patients and families receive coordinated services—from symptom management and behavioral health support to education and long-term planning. By adopting NextGen’s advanced technology, Arkansas Palliative Care aims to extend the reach and impact of this groundbreaking program.
Meeting the Needs of Patients and Providers
For patients, the transition to NextGen Healthcare solutions promises an improved care experience. Digital intake forms, mobile-friendly portals, and expanded telehealth options will reduce barriers to care, especially for those in remote communities. Secure messaging and virtual visits will strengthen communication between patients and care teams, ensuring that questions and concerns are addressed quickly.
For providers and staff, the technology will alleviate administrative strain by automating manual processes such as billing, referrals, and insurance checks. Predictive analytics will allow clinicians to identify trends and anticipate patient needs, helping guide interventions before issues escalate. This data-driven approach aligns with Arkansas Palliative Care’s goal of personalized, proactive care delivery.
“Arkansas Palliative Care is doing vitally important work to help Arkansas residents manage chronic illness and other healthcare needs,” said Srinivas (Sri) Velamoor, president and chief operating officer of NextGen Healthcare. “We’re honored to support the organization’s growth at such an exciting time in its history and share their team’s commitment to helping staff, providers, and patients achieve better outcomes.”
Preparing for LifeTouch Health
The upcoming transition to LifeTouch Health reflects a broader vision: building a fully integrated healthcare ecosystem for Arkansas seniors and patients with life-limiting illnesses. By bringing hospice, palliative care, primary care, and personal care under one brand, the organization seeks to create seamless care journeys that adapt as patient needs change.
Technology will play a crucial role in this transformation. With NextGen’s support, LifeTouch Health will be positioned to scale efficiently, unify data across service lines, and strengthen collaboration among its interdisciplinary teams. This digital foundation ensures the organization can continue expanding without compromising the personalized, mission-driven care that has earned it statewide recognition.
Expanding Access, Strengthening Outcomes
The challenges facing healthcare providers in Arkansas mirror those across the nation: aging populations, rising rates of chronic disease, and significant disparities in access, particularly in rural areas. Arkansas Palliative Care’s decision to invest in NextGen’s solutions demonstrates a proactive strategy to confront these challenges head-on.
By enhancing interoperability, mobility, and analytics capabilities, the organization can ensure smoother coordination of care across settings. By expanding telehealth and digital engagement, it can overcome geographic barriers and reach patients wherever they are. And by automating revenue cycle and administrative tasks, it can free staff to focus on what matters most—direct patient care.
