The Genesis of OSIS

The story of OSIS began 25 years ago when Jeff Lowrance was hired as the Director of IT for one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Ohio. “On my second day, the decision was made to purchase Medical Manager as our new billing system,” said Jeff Lowrance, CEO of OSIS. “To make the investment more economical, we shared the system with two other organizations in Cincinnati, leading to the formation of OSIS. This collaboration required a shared network and governance structure thus, OSIS was born. Working together was the only answer.”

Our Mission: Unlocking Potential

What is the importance of our mission? “Our mission at OSIS is to unlock the potential of technology to positively advance outcomes in community healthcare,” Jeff says. “Historically, community healthcare has been slower in adopting information technologies. Organizations may lack the expertise and funds to achieve advanced outcomes independently. OSIS bridges this gap, helping to create better health in the communities we serve together.”

Partnering with NextGen Healthcare

From the outset, NextGen Healthcare has been our vendor of choice for Electronic Health Records (EHR). “In the early 2000s, our thorough RFP process determined that NextGen was the ideal choice for us,” Jeff explains. “NextGen's leadership in the community healthcare space and its groundbreaking work in UDS modernization have been valuable. This partnership has unlocked the power of healthcare IT investments, providing data-driven insights, improving quality scores, and managing costs effectively.”

Proud and Unforgettable Moments

What is your proudest moment as CEO? “Reflecting on the past 25 years, one of my proudest moments was when the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) reached out to us for the first time to assist an FQHC outside Ohio,” Reveals Jeff. “They needed help with NextGen, and HRSA believed OSIS was the best at delivering this support. The gratitude from the FQHC when we arrived on site was incredibly rewarding.”

Do you have any fun or unforgettable moments you can share? “We've had our share of fun moments too,” Jeff laughs. “One unforgettable experience was a taxi ride in Las Vegas. After a late night out, too many of us tried to fit into a van. One person pretended to be seated in the middle to avoid detection by the police. The ride turned into a disco party with flashing lights and a mirrored ball, making it a night to remember.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of OSIS

In 2024, OSIS sought to find a like-minded organization that shares our mutual values and goals to help us tackle barriers that hinder today’s healthcare delivery system- technical staffing shortages, rising operational costs, and increasingly complex patient care needs that require comprehensive EHR solutions. Joining forces with OCHIN, another nonprofit organization, allows us to tackle common issues more efficiently, sharing resources while remaining independent. “This collaboration strengthens our mission to alleviate the IT burdens on safety-net organizations, making a difference for those who need it most,” Jeff shares. “As we look to the future, I envision OSIS becoming more consultative, offering managed services around cybersecurity, revenue cycle management, and health center governance and compliance.”

A Partner's Perspective and Board Member Insights with The Healthcare Connection

Since the formation of OSIS, The HealthCare Connection has been an avid supporter, partner, and founding Member. “Our collaboration has allowed us to maximize resources and introduce new ideas and strategies to keep our organization aligned with the ever-changing healthcare landscape,” said Jolene Joseph, CEO of The Healthcare Connection. “Our Membership with OSIS has also provided us the capacity to partner with other community health centers and to continue to learn and grow our services to better serve our patients. Ultimately, our organizations' collaboration aligns with our core values; serving the greater good, fostering unity, and achieving a collective mission to make a meaningful difference.”

OSIS’s board is represented by the organizations we serve to ensure appropriate governance in the solutions we provide. “My opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors has been deeply motivating because it aligns with my passion for fostering equity, access, and opportunity for underserved communities,” said Jolene. “Being a part of the board provides a platform to channel my skills and experience to help shape strategies that address critical needs and support community health centers for broader community impact. It also means I have the opportunity to work alongside passionate and visionary leaders. This collaboration inspires me and allows for the exchange of innovative ideas, fostering professional and personal growth as well as helping to advance OSIS's mission effectively. I am honored to serve on the OSIS Board—one that champions equity, innovation, and transformative change for the communities we serve.”

What Inspires Us

“Healthy, happy children and people, a dental patient getting needed treatment, families receiving food and school supplies, and non-English speaking patients getting service in their native language—these are the moments that inspire us,” Explains Jeff. “The dedication and daily efforts of our staff to give back to others, along with the lives we touch through our services, inspire us to do more. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to our mission and look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and impact in community healthcare."