Instant accessibility enhances case management efficacy

of health care guardian. They shepherd individuals through an increasingly complex care delivery system, coordinating appropriate care and ensuring h u m a n interaction. Case managers have the responsibility and perspective to weave thoughtful and consistent care into the fabric of integrated health care delivery. No caregiver within the multidisciplinary health care team has a more comprehensive role. Without proactive patient observation, intervention, and documentation of variance from the individual care path, measurable data for useful outcomes analysis fall far below an acceptable standard. These functions cannot be performed by sophisticated systems functioning independently of skilled caregivers. However, such systems enable the case manager to access data across the care continuum, refine data interactively, and intervene appropriately and concurrently for better care delivery outcomes. Case management systems with strong support for clinical judgment and decision making foster the advocacy role of the case manager. Instant accessibility to information and standards enhances the effectiveness of the case m a n a g e m e n t process, grounding it firmly within the dynamic care delivery environment. Finally, the ability to capture analytically useful information, not simply free-form notes, ensures the delivery of better health care worldwide.

PhyCom Corporation PhyCom Corporation has introduced a series of well-regarded case management systems over the past 4 years, including the c/o Compass product line n o w used TCM 44

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Client/server architecture compatible with leading databases, including Oracle, Sybase, DB2, Informix, and Microsoft SQL Server Cost

License fees are based on number of users and begin at $40,000 for five or fewer case managers

by organizations ranging from health plans to integrated delivery systems to independent practice associations. The company's newest release, PhyCom CarePartner, joins its predecessors as an across-the-enterprise, integrated case management software support system. CarePartner has the ability to comprehensively manage patients with longterm chronic conditions, from scheduled provider interventions and patient education to periodic episodes requiring ambulatory or acute care. The program allows the case manager to build integrated care plans and schedule a variety of diagnostic interventions and procedures using individual pathways to plan and monitor inpatient stays. The system brings the same flexibility to the management of workers' compensation and disability cases. Based on familiar principles and processes, CarePartner: 9 Meets the need for instant accessibility to stratified information 9 Offers data collection and recording screens sufficiently flexible for custom protocols, guidelines, and outcomes tools 9 Reduces redundant data capture

Imports information available from existing systems and exports information required by other systems using either HL7 or ANSI X.12 transaction sets Supports an unlimited number of fully customized, automated letters and online printed reports Supports collaborative care models, safeguarded by a well-defined security system, allowing all members of the care team to access and contribute relevant information to the patient record The system can be scaled to meet the needs of large organizations yet remains compatible with lower-end databases that fit the economic need of smaller organizations with a potential for growth. The cost of PhyCom's newest offering-CarePartner--must be balanced with the size and mission of the potential purchasing organization. Contact PhyCom at (206) 644-1441 or visit its web page at http://www.phycom. corn for more information.

Author's Note This is a wonderful time to serve within the health care profession because we are enabled by technology to share information across the enterprise in real-time.

CM DOWNLOADS skills as caregivers with the help of information technology.

My 18 years of service within the health care industry have included clinical nursing, medical product marketing, m y own health care service, legal nurse consulting, medical case management, managed care consulting, and market segment management for IBM Worldwide Healthcare. My review of software solutions for the health care industry has broadened m y knowledge and offered another avenue of service within my primary profession. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share with you and learn from you as we continue to perfect our

Case managers at work across the enterprise have variable needs. Our editorial goal is to supply relevant and current information at your point of need. To that end, a wide range of case management/ managed care software solutions and specific tools will be profiled in this column. As 21st century users and designers of information systems technolog~ your input is of great value. Please direct questions and contributing information to me at fax number (770) 835-7972.

Diane Ward, RN, CCM, is a market segment manager for IBM Worldwide Healthcare Industry in Hawthorne, New York, and is home-based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reprint orders: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, MO 631463318; phone (314) 453-4350; reprint no. 68/1/81835

"Training for my case managers?" CCMI can solve your dilemma of where and how to provide up-to-date, comprehensive training for your case managers. We bring years of broad-based, in-depth case management experience to the development of case management programs through training and consultation. 9 Customized training programs 9 Individual or small group formats 9 Onsite training 9 Payor and provider programs A~OCIATE~

9 Clinical specialty training in rehabilitation, oncology, HIV/AIDS, behavioral health and neonatal.

CCMI also offers case management program consultation in strategic planning, operations and administration. C C M I A S S O C I A T E S , INC. 9 603-547-2245 TCM 46

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9 FAX 603-547-2246