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In this age of government gone wild, it’s refreshing to see some true responsibility. We’re not only talking fiscal responsibility, but true responsibility to the well being of its people.
Now for the real kicker: I’m talking about California! I’m sure you can find more extensive articles, but here’s a quick 30 second read:
http://hme-business.com/articles/2009/08/27/california.aspx
Refreshing, isn’t it?
A recent HME Business e-zine article outlined a new economic study by Brian O’Roark, PhD, of Robert Morris University. If you have a stake in CMS’ National Competitive Bidding program, this study (funded by PAMS) will surely reinforce your debate.
Chronologically, this post should precede all training and implementation posts. In fact, “painting yourself into a technological corner” should provide the impetus for opting for a new system.
Remember all the reasons why you wanted to upgrade to new HME software? Chances are good that some of those reasons included inaccurate data in your old system.
Maybe someone who implemented the old system years ago had a certain plan for setting up products. Maybe payer regulations or the available technology forced users to work within a certain structure.
Implementation of new HME software gives you an opportunity to correct those flaws. Whether your new software is an upgrade from the same vendor or you’re teaming with a completely new HME software partner, be sure you can accomplish your team’s data-related goals.
In some ways, your current data is one of your most valuable assets; in others, it could be hindering your company’s progress. Meet with staff to welcome feedback. “To become a more efficient company, we should be able to ….”
Take your existing software out of the equation. Allow imaginations to exceed current technology. Every idea has merit. Rate the software vendors as to how many of your new efficiency goals they can meet.
Once you’re confident that you’ve found the right system for your company, make those goals to which the vendor can commit part of your initial training and implementation. If you plan to convert current data, pure data updating (such as product codes) may take place during that migration.
By the time you graduate from implementation, your data-related goals will be realized.
As we’ve been discussing for months, there are too many interests involved in the health care formula. None of these special interests wishes to lose any turf. That’s why we’re left with the sometimes ugly debate we’re currently experiencing around the country and especially in Washington, DC.
As we could have predicted, politics now plays the star role in this issue. Americans are exposed to so much negativism and half-truths that we really don’t know where to turn for real solutions.
You may or may not have noticed, but one group has been attempting, one by one, to be heard above the din. Let’s hear from the individuals who’ve experienced our current health care marketplace firsthand. Those with chronic illnesses, those who’ve been dumped by their health care plans once a higher risk has been exposed, those who’ve survived catastrophic illnesses: these are folks who have stories to tell. I’m sure they have a few suggestions for improvement, too.
Home care is the only health care segment that can promote patient choice rather than special interests or politics. Unfortunately, home care isn’t being promoted nearly enough.
