UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) December 19, 2011

athenahealth, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 617-402-1000

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

On December 19, 2011, Richard N. Foster, a member of the Board of Directors of athenahealth, Inc. (the “Company”), informed the Company that he does not intend to stand for re-election at the Company’s 2012 annual meeting of stockholders. Mr. Foster is a member of the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. His decision to not stand for re-election to the Board of Directors is not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies, or practices.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.