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): October 7, 2008


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))

Item 5.02     Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers

On October 7, 2008, James M. MacDonald announced that he will resign from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of athenahealth, Inc., effective October 10, 2008, due to health reasons.

Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d)       Exhibits

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SIGNATURE

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

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