Selected Tag:

Health Care “Reform” Rages On

July 30th, 2009

Health care reform is all the rage this summer. None of us knows where this is headed or even where to find objective information regarding this issue.

Thankfully, our elected officials won’t shove new health care legislation down our throats the way they did the economic stimulus package. Going back to the constituents during summer break is certain to open some eyes.

If each legislator heard one voter’s health care nightmare, we may be able to turn the tide on this issue. The media love these “Joe the Plumber” type stories.

Our representatives are sure to squirm a bit while listening in front of rolling cameras. The elephant in the room is the elitist health care package that we as taxpayers provide to those we elected.

We did a little research and found a lot of Web sites that “bend” the issue toward their own agendas. CNN’s health care reform FAQ unfolds the issue into ten, although objective, very basic questions and answers.

Senator Charles Grassley (IA) was interviewed on NPR’s Morning Edition again Wednesday morning, July 29. My personal favorite so far has to be this commentary as it relates to a New York Times story from earlier this week.

For an HME slant to health care reform, check out AA Homecare’s summer newsletter. Happy reading!

Even closer to our little slice of health care heaven, one of our clients discovered that CNN produced a video report about a wheelchair. If you have a moment to respond after viewing this report, here’s where you can leave your comments.

You’re also welcome to comment here as the debate rages on.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in HME Provider News, Personal Slant | No Comments »

Share:

deliciousfacebooklinkedintwitter

HME Software Implementation Hybrid

July 24th, 2009

You’ll get more Implementation miles to the gallon by supplementing your HME software implementation with training. I know that we’ve already discussed training, but we never detailed an implementation/training hybrid.

For many providers, the hybrid provides the most effective method for learning, implementing, and successfully using an HME software package. The hybrid offers education and phases of implementation in smaller chunks, handing off from one to another.

The effect is that shorter periods of training promote better retention; and, phased implementation goals are more easily attainable. The business relationship between the provider and the HME software partner thrives, because everyone on both sides can see the progress develop.

The momentum becomes self-sustainable as the training and the ensuing implementation phases pass by! Remember that a hybrid automobile provides better fuel economy in the city, where it’s interacting with other autos. By itself at highway speeds, the hybrid provides less of a return.

The lesson we can learn is to continually communicate the next goal to your team, whether it’s training to introduce a new area of the software or the next implementation phase to complete. Keep interacting with your HME software partner and your team. Steady progress and everyone “driving” in the same direction: that’s what wins this race.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in HME Business Ideas, HME Software | No Comments »

Share:

deliciousfacebooklinkedintwitter

HME Software Implementation – Harmony

July 23rd, 2009

We’ve discussed HME software implementation goals, deadlines, and phases. Planning is important for a smooth transition to your new software.

However, it isn’t enough to set a plan of action with your new HME software vendor. You must communicate with your team regarding the implementation plan so that everyone sings from the same hymnal, so to speak.

That doesn’t just mean rolling out the plan either. Communicate with your team beforehand. They may offer solid suggestions or even volunteer additional time to implement faster. At the very least, they’ll understand how this investment will help the company make better use of technology, which in turn helps everyone learn new things, which in turn allows everyone to work smarter, which in turn solidifies the future of the business.

As we discussed previously, even those who resist change will begin to take ownership as long as they believe they’re important to the plan’s success. And, that’s most certainly true, even for those who never log in to your software.

Everyone must understand the importance and the long term value of implementing your new HME software. They must understand it while you’re evaluating new HME software.

After you decide on a package and prior to implementation, you must review the very concrete reasons why you needed to make this commitment. Remind everyone of all the positive results that will be possible due to this investment in technology.

Tags: , ,
Posted in HME Business Ideas, HME Software | No Comments »

Share:

deliciousfacebooklinkedintwitter

HME Software Implementation – Goals

July 16th, 2009

Implementation should be a dynamic process depending on your company’s resources, specific needs, and goals. Over more than 22 years of HME providers implementing our software, we’ve developed an implementation guide. All brand new clients receive this document as soon as they select CAU as their HME software partner.

We call it a “guide” because it’s meant to direct you toward your implementation goals in a time frame where your team can remain most productive. One size definitely does not fit all.

We’ve established four distinct phases of HME software implementation. One phase doesn’t necessarily need to be completed prior to beginning another.

Working with an implementation coordinator and a seasoned trainer, you can set realistic target dates to complete each phase. Again, it’s a guide to communicate goals for completing phases to your team and to measure progress. (Isn’t it always fun to celebrate achieving a team goal? That also sets a motivational tone to focus on the next goal.)

Some companies take their time and complete implementation in 45-60 days. We’ve also had others who were extremely motivated by their upgrade and were ready to submit claims electronically in their new HME software in as little as one weekend!

Have you had an extremely good (or bad) HME software implementation experience? Feel free to share.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in HME Business Ideas, HME Software | No Comments »

Share:

deliciousfacebooklinkedintwitter

HME Software Implementation – Converting Data

July 16th, 2009

To convert or not to convert? That’s only one of the questions. If you decide to convert data to your new HME software, what data should be converted?

In order to answer those questions, you need to start with, “How accurate is the data you want to convert?” If your current system is a mess, it’ll be easier to start over and use the current software to work old accounts receivable.

Starting over doesn’t have to mean “starting from scratch.” Most vendors can extract your demographic data, which will save your staff a ton of keystrokes. Patient, physician, payer, and product demographic data usually can be converted and loaded into your new HME software.

Although it may sound like a good idea, converting A/R most likely will not work. If you’re told that it does, then you’re not really gaining any functionality by changing software, because the file structure would be the same or similar.

Here’s an example: our HME software creates additional A/R files during invoicing and posting to give users the most flexibility. This comes in handy, say, when a rental customer changes carriers mid-rental.

When using our HME software, you can change only the rental months necessary to invoice the new carrier without affecting the remaining history of the claim. Most other HME software inherently would change the entire history or force users to perform a work-around.

Since these additional files have nothing to match from the old software, it’s virtually impossible to attempt to convert A/R. Work the old A/R in the old software until the ongoing support is cost-prohibitive when compared to the aged revenue potential.

Add existing rentals and all new claims to begin billing them in your new software. The new software should be intelligent enough to calculate an existing rental into the proper rental month, based on the original date of service.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in HME Business Ideas, HME Software | No Comments »

Share:

deliciousfacebooklinkedintwitter

HME Software Implementation

July 6th, 2009

You can view implementing new HME software in one of two ways. Either it can be a chore where the entire staff frets over wholesale change; or, everyone can focus on the long-term benefits of upgrading.

Just like any other business decision you make that affects staff, you’ll have employees who are on board and those who will resist change. The key lies in granting some ownership in the selection process. Ongoing reminders of how the upgrade will positively impact the business and the individual’s work day also play a part.

In succeeding posts we’ll discuss some implementation ideas. If you’ve experienced a successful implementation procedure, please post a comment here so we can share with your fellow HME providers.

Tags: , ,
Posted in HME Business Ideas, HME Software | No Comments »

Share:

deliciousfacebooklinkedintwitter

Open Sesame

July 2nd, 2009

Here’s a recent article from our CAU Exchange newsletter. (You can subscribe to Exchange with just your Email address.) If you’re into office efficiency tips and effective use of HME software, it’s a quick read with practical ideas — like this money-saver:

Be sure to enter with eyes wide open, because it’s open season on expensive proprietary software. Since our HME software is “open-architecture,” you’re not restricted to using specific software to get the most out of it.

Here’s an example where “open-architecture” can save you money. What’s required for you to use CAU’s Web Edition HME software? Any computer with a broadband Internet connection and your choice of Internet browser! That’s right. You’re “open” to use the no-cost Mozilla Firefox browser. Maybe you’re a fan of Google Chrome. You can even fire up your Apple with its Safari browser.

Get the idea? Now, let’s be “open” about your office software tools.

One of the best kept secrets in computing is OpenOffice.org. In case you’re not familiar with it, OpenOffice.org 3 is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases, and more. It works on all common computers. Best of all, you can download and use it completely free of charge for any purpose.

Coincidentally, one of those purposes could be to use it with our HME software! (Don’t try this with other HME software, because it isn’t “open-architecture.” They require expensive stuff from Redmond, WA.)

Why not download and try OpenOffice.org 3? You literally have nothing to lose.

If you’re “open” to exciting new ideas, we can show you how OpenOffice.org 3 teams with our HME software to increase your bottom line. (Of course, the expensive office software performs well, too.)

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in HME Business Ideas, HME Software | No Comments »

Share:

deliciousfacebooklinkedintwitter