pms5 the complete choice for Home Health Care Clinical and Management Software

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• OVERVIEW
• Web Based Benefits
• DESIGN
• SYSTEM COMPOSITION ELEMENTS
• SOFTWARE SUPPORT
• UPGRADES/ENHANCEMENTS/CUSTOMIZATIONS
• TRAINING/ON-GOING EDUCATION
• FORMS PRINTING
• FACETTERM
• DATA CONVERSIONS/INTERFACES
• WIRING/CABLING
• HARDWARE
• AIX OPERATING SYSTEM
• MULTI-LOCATION FACILITIES
• REPORTS
• END USER REPORT WRITING ABILITY
• UFO© (UNITS FOR CLINICAL FIELD OPERATIONS)
• More UFO© (UNITS FOR CLINICAL FIELD OPERATIONS)
• WINpms© (REPORT WRITER AND pms5© ACCESS FOR WINDOWS ENVIRONMENTS)
• Neat Stuff (some neat things you can do with winpms and UFO)

• PMS5-UFO-OASIS

  The strategic "tool-box" for clinical and financial management    

  

  Collecting OASIS Data is Important, but it's Not Enough...

  With the Prospective Payment System upon us, home health agencies (HHAs) are getting a wake-up call to change the way they manage their business. Under PPS, HHAs must go beyond simple data collection by using their outcomes information as a management tool. When used properly, OASIS data gives HHAs a strategic advantage in a PPS environment by allowing them to effectively co-manage cost and quality.

  PMS5-UFO-OASIS is comprehensive... just like our name Comprehensive Home Health Care Systems (CHS)…

  When clients purchase PMS5-UFO-OASIS, they receive a unique system that combines software, clinical expertise, and a data warehouse for a complete clinical PPS solution.

   PMS5-UFO-OASIS provides:

  Simple OASIS data input through CHS' networkable program. Clients can use the Windows©-based data entry tools, or the Data Import Tool for full use of the PMS5-UFO-OASIS program.  

  

  Desktop reports and graphs are available in a user-friendly format for home health providers. This software tool provides a very simple approach to sophisticated analysis by allowing HHAs to carefully examine detailed outcomes information with the push of a button.

  Access to the complete winpms clinical, management and billing with direct interface to the full winpms system is available for clinical notes, care plans, scheduling, payroll, billing and all agency management functions  

  

  Access other databases immediately via the Internet and quarterly via the Clinical Outcome Section of the your Report.

  "Characteristic Based Benchmarks" allow clients to customize their reports based on unique agency characteristics. By selecting the criteria that reflects clients' organization (size, programs, region, etc.), clients ensure that they are comparing themselves to similar agencies.

  The HHRG Grouper allows CHS' clients to identify HHRGs and case weights for all patients in their OASIS database. Using this information, clients can begin to mold historical data and identify opportunities for improvement within their agencies.  

  

  Ongoing software enhancements are provided as part of the subscription fee. As regulatory requirements change, so too will the software and reporting capabilities of PMS5-UFO-OASIS. The system was specifically designed to accommodate changes to OASIS and HCFA billing  requirements—without large additional hidden costs.

  Training, technical, and clinical support are provided on an ongoing basis via dedicated Support Managers to ensure that clients can successfully interpret and use the wealth of information provided through the PMS5-UFO-OASIS program.

  Data submittal to JCAHO's ORYX™ program ensures that you meet both OASIS and ORYX requirements.  

  Succeed in the new home health care world...Partner with CHS – where no one is left behind.

  View our OASIS Demo slide show (call CHS for a password)

OVERVIEW (back to top of page)

In today's home care environment, the transfer and tracking of mission-critical information, and the ability to "connect" your various "Synapse" points between patients, clinicians, operational staff, referral sources, outside providers and third parties, home care agencies, from system to system, etc. is vital to the success of your organization.

pms5© (Patient Management System) is a completely integrated home health management software package designed to handle the every day needs of today's home care agency. The purpose of this document is to enhance your understanding of pms5©, in regards to the integration, flow and functionality of each module as well as a description of other product offerings.

Comprehensive Health Systems, (CHS) has been marketing nationally since 1984, a mature, comprehensive and complete software solution for today's homecare needs. We offer a total package including the server (IBM RS6000), installation, top-notch support, multi-site solutions, on-site training, as well as on-going educational curriculums. Additionally, pms5© can serve the needs of startup, large visit volume, multi-site, free standing, and hospital based agencies including Medicare, Medicaid, private duty and Hospice Care functions. We also offer a complete line of web based solutions that do not require a server on site, just a simple web browser and access to the internet. Clients can enter data at the point-of-care using our UFO handheld units or desktop version at the office.

Since pms5© was written in state-of-the-art Fourth Generation language (Informix-4gl) SQL based relational database, running on the UNIX (AIX) (true multi-user) operating system, we are able to provide you with a software package that is fortified with the tools you will need to compete in today's Managed Care arena. Upgrades, state/federal regulatory changes and enhancements are an integral part of the pms5© software package. Our client based front-end tools use state of the art microsoft technology employing SQL in the office 2000 environment with Access, Excell, VB and much more.

There are an infinite number of benefits you will receive by utilizing the pms5© software. Rapid changes in the health care industry will require you to have a data management system that handles manage care, PPS,capitation and more. CHS has positioned itself to meet the varied and dynamic demands of the homecare marketplace, by incorporating the necessary tools to give a high level of power for the "user" community, in the way of processing data and reporting ability. Because of the Informix relational database language pms5© is written in, one of the largest and most progressive relational database companies in the world, we are able to empower your agency to tackle the tough issues of dealing with both the business and clinical side; to include critical pathways, outcomes and goals, split billing, multiple payer, and ultimately a point of care efficiency offered through real-time data repository: UFO© - (Units for Clinical Field Operations) handheld field solution (described herein). The standard pms5 product entry is simple to use as shown in the below basic entry screen for demographics.

DESIGN (back to top of page)

Consistent within the pms5© software package offering, you will find audit trails to indicate who performed particular tasks and when those tasks were completed. The audit trail is available in reports called "work done".

This extremely user-friendly, menu driven package, utilizes "ring menus", similar to those you may have seen in LOTUS 1-2-3. These are "point and shoot" menus that also show an explanation of each menu option as it is highlighted by the cursor.

Throughout the package you will find "pop-up" browse and select scrolling array windows, which enable you to search for various information as needed, as well as having the ability to search in any field for information by using a wildcard (asterisk), i.e., you can enter *br* to search for the name "Brown" or "dia" to search for diabetes, etc. The asterisk (and other wildcards) can be placed anywhere in the name or piece of information you are searching for. With all the checks and balances available to efficiently run your agency, you have the ability to obtain data throughout the system while in any screen or field. The system allows use of the mouse or using keystrokes whatever the entry operator is most comfortable with.

In every screen consistent throughout the package, there is an instruction line on the bottom of the screen that prompts the user as to what information needs to be entered into each field.

All data is maintained indefinitely. If a patient is re-admitted, you do not have to re-key patient demographics information. You can pull up the patient by name, past MR number, or other criteria, and the basic patient information will be carried into the new admission. Fields (where appropriate) can be overridden to update any information necessary.

pms5© is enriched with pre-entered and user definable "codes" that can be used throughout the package. This feature helps in minimizing text typing. Again, you can enter into a "look up" mode, wherever the code feature is suggested, to pull text by codes into the appropriate places. The look up feature allows you to put in part of a code or text by using any of the available wildcards.

SYSTEM COMPOSITION ELEMENTS (back to top of page)

(AIX) UNIX OPERATING SYSTEM

UNIX is a true multi-user environment, whereas you have the ability to "share" files and access patient data, building on each other's efforts to efficiently achieve the goals of your organization. UNIX gives you the superior ability to manipulate data in many ways. You can run both dumb terminals and P.C.'s in the UNIX environment. Via terminal emulation, you can "hotkey" back and forth from Windows to UNIX applications when utilizing P.C.'s. The full windows NT and Novell network environments use the tcp/ip and Ethernet connection as well.

INFORMIX RELATIONAL DATABASE LANGUAGE

Informix is a powerful, progressive SQL based database engine and software language that is web based and allows us to keep up with the industry demands quickly and efficiently. These tools have provided us the most complete and productive database technology to build, deploy, run and evolve our pms5 application over time. Informix delivers real-world performance with powerful database products, based on an open client/server architecture. Informix runs on web based servers, such as NT and Linux, AIX operating systems.

In the realm of "open system" information management, Informix is one of the world's leading database companies in the open systems market with a focus on UNIX, NetWare, Microsoft windows, Windows NT and Macintosh. Informix technology includes powerful, reliable database servers and production application development tools which assures our ability as a software vendor to help YOU reach your goals quickly in the way of managing and manipulating data.

Note: Requisite software includes pms5© Base Software, IBM web servers for AIX Operating System and Informix Language Tools. A web browser on the PC is used to access the internet for pms5.

pms5© SOFTWARE SUPPORT (back to top of page)

CHS considers customer support a top priority! Each support call and issue, whether a functionality question or problem is taken seriously. Our Support Staff will document your inquiry or problem in our Support Tracking System. A ticket number is assigned for every support call, enabling our staff to service you in a timely manner. Most calls have immediate results, with a maximum four hour turn around time for more in-depth needs.

Covered in your Quarterly Support Fee is all pms5© related issues as well as all CMS (formerly HCFA), State and Federal regulatory mandated changes, which all are met within; (or prior to) the time-framed allowed. Also included are all upgrades and enhancements.

Support is offered from 9:00 AM to 6:00PM EST with an after hours/weekend number available.

UPGRADES/ENHANCEMENTS/CUSTOMIZATIONS (back to top of page)

CHS performs an average of one upgrade a year. These upgrades are enriched with new features, usually those suggested by our imbedded client base. CHS continuously strides to provide our clients with the tools they must have to run their agency efficiently, as well as enhancements to enrich the users ability to increase productivity.

Training classes on enhancement features are given as well as release notes are provided for your review, and to allow you to become familiar with the upgrade prior to your class.

A specific customization requested will be assessed and the quoted accordingly. A time-frame for completion will be included as well.

All state/federal/regulatory changes are performed at no extra charge and are covered under your pms5 maintenance plan.

TRAINING/ON-GOING EDUCATION (back to top of page)

In the industry of home health, software vendors must be equipped with staff that is not only well versed in the software application, but in home health knowledge as well. Our senior training staff possess a strong home health care background which is reflected in the quality of training your staff will receive.

In our initiative to insure your staff is well trained, we begin by conducting a Task and Needs Analysis, in which an agency flow is assessed for each department. We will then put together a customized curriculum to suit the needs of your agency. Our findings from this consultation visit will allow us to make recommendations on staff functions relative to the utilization of the software.

pms5© Base Software Training curriculum (conducted on-site at your facilities) will enable your staff to utilize the pms5© software to it's fullest capacity. The curriculum has been designed to cover all facets of the pms5© base system. Classes consist of 15 days of training, usually 2-3 day classes in one trip. Ongoing advanced training workdays and seminars are encouraged.

Training classes on Adjunct Modules are additional; depending on which modules you select. Again, the adjunct modules are completely integrated with the pms5© base software.

During your initial cutover, CHS staff will be in constant contact prior to the installation of your system, assisting you in the preparation and transition to the pms5 system. A "Getting Started" booklet is also provided, which discusses how the software will be implemented, which data needs to be pulled together, etc.

Training materials are provided for download using our web site and CD (Microsoft Word or Adobe Reader) for each of the pms5 modules.

FORMS PRINTING (Optional/Recommended) (back to top of page)

CHS offers the option of printing your HCFA 485/6/7, UB92 and 1500 forms on a laser printer. A customized font cartridge will be provided for the Hewlett Packard laser printer (all models). The font cartridge installed in your LaserJet will paint the form, and the pms5© data inserted in the appropriate places. The benefits of utilizing the font cartridge are many. The frustration of changing forms, clearing jams, tearing off form edges and dealing with carbon will be non-existent - your staff can either print out the necessary number of copies needed on the LaserJet, or copies can be run off your copier. Physicians also prefer this method since the print is clearer, cleaner and easier to read. The option of printing on dot matrix will still be available.

FACETTERM (Optional/Recommended Software) (back to top of page)

Facetterm is an option software you can purchase from CHS that allows "windowing" for terminals ability under UNIX.

Facetterm increases productivity for terminal users by hot keying to different windows without having to go out of an application. Up to 10 software applications can be accessible via hot keying. You can switch between these independent interactive sessions at any time and as often as you like. Most importantly, you can do this on an inexpensive character terminal, and with your existing applications. You do not need the expense or complexity of an X-terminal.

Other features within Facetterm include cut and paste, which gives flexibility in sharing data between applications, Print Screen Ability, and more. Additionally, any communications program that can run on your UNIX terminal can also run in a Facetterm window, allowing simultaneous access to multiple "systems" from your single terminal.

DATA CONVERSIONS/INTERFACES (back to top of page)

CHS will address data conversion needs (via straight ASCII transfer) as well as interfaces to other software systems (i.e. hospital, accounting package, etc.), based on your individual needs. It is our goal to assist our new clients in accomplishing conversions to the pms5© package successfully. Your complete automation needs will be analyzed prior to installation by our comprehensive home care team!

WIRING/CABLING (back to top of page)

CHS will handle your cabling needs as well, based on a site-survey. Cabling includes materials and labor (e.g. cable runs, wall plates, etc.) and connection of workstations, terminals, printers, modems, multiplexes, etc.

HARDWARE (back to top of page)

CHS will configure a system, both software and hardware, based on the needs of your agency to provide you with a complete, turnkey system that includes installing, training, wiring/cabling, and on-going support services. Our recommendations will include all factors such as existing hardware to be utilized, upgrade of current CPU, number of users and devices on the system, growth potential factors, multi-site locations, and interface needs.

CHS is a true home health software developer, devoted to providing a very inclusive, specific, home health related software package. We also provide and extremely powerful hardware solution; IBM RISC 6000. These are the key ingredients in running an efficient, reliable software/hardware environment. We have stuck to the environments and platforms we offer because we know they are not only superior, but tried and true.

Another reason why CHS's platform of choice is the IBM RISC 6000 is because maintenance is provided directly from the most reputable hardware manufacturer in the world: IBM.

The RS-6000 product line ranges from low to high end servers, designed to expand with your agency's growing requirements.

In planning for the future in home care, moving up to the RS6000 technology will insure your data management systems reliability and scalability, while increasing efficiency and performance at cost-effective prices.

AIX OPERATING SYSTEM (back to top of page)

The IBM AIX Operating System is an open base for existing and emerging technologies. A full-function, industrial strength UNIX operating system, compliant with industry standards and offering broad openness in application portability, the IBM AIX Operating system is ideal for the home health care industry. Additionally, AIX is designed to optimize highly available clustered and distributed client/server environments.

Your operating system should be transparent to you, enabling you to get on with your work. IBM designed AIX to do just this.

MULTI-LOCATION FACILITIES (back to top of page)

There are many factors considered when configuring a multi-site organization. Digital or analog leased lines may be used along with either Ethernet connection, rand boards or multiplexers (muxxes). Depending on number of sites, you may be setting up local or wide area networks. CHS will work with you in making the appropriate hardware and communication recommendations. A simple intranet or even internet connection is the easiest and smoothest way to branch your agencies.

CHS will configure and recommend, based on complete organizational analysis, appropriate hardware with several options to choose from to accommodate agencies with multiple sites.

pms5© REPORTS (back to top of page)

pms5© comes loaded with over 450 reports. There is a main "reports module" as well as a reports section within each individual module.  Under the Reports Module, you can run medical, historical, letters, statistics, CMS, and chart information reports. Under each pms5© module, you can run specific report relating to that section as well. During your training, the use of reports will be covered. Recommendations will be made on which reports should be run daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc. Since the whole pms5 database using ODBC on the windows client of the server then all products such as MS Tools and Crystal writer and MS Office 2000 tools are utilized.

You have the ability to run reports to a printer (any printer attached to the host), Local (printer attached directly to your Workstation) the screen (to view information), a File (such as Word Perfect or Microsoft Word, etc.) which allows printing or importing information into a spreadsheet or other program, or you can "Pipe" which allows direct output to a fax machine enabling you to send information directly to an employee, physician, hospital, etc. or you can filter information to a spreadsheet. You can print in condensed or landscape mode. Within each repot, you will have several options, which gives you the flexibility to generate reports with specific information. You will go through a series of ring menus, prompting various user defined options. As reports are "date sensitive", you can run reports daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc. utilizing a date criteria.

Utilizing reports within pms5© is extremely user-friendly and comprehensive!

END USER REPORT WRITING ABILITY (back to top of page)

Informix Viewpoint a user friendly report writer (graphical SQL database access tool) designed to facilitate easy access to the database by the end user. Database complexities are hidden by allowing the end user access without the need to know database structures, SQL or programming.

Standard, data can be gathered, and information transferred back and forth in the form of a straight ASCII transfer (from word processing applications, spreadsheets, etc.)

Note: Requisite software includes pms5© Base Software, AIX Operating System and Informix Language Tools.

UFO© (UNITS FOR CLINICAL FIELD OPERATIONS) (back to top of page)

HANDHELD FIELD SOLUTION

UFO© is an innovative handheld touch driven solution, which fully bridges agency information flow, to and from the field, with a seamless integration to the pms5© Base Software. Since the UFO© works in conjunction with pms5© base software, you should have the pms5© base software (as described above) to utilize the UFO© field solution.

Field staff has the ability to capture a complete patient visit on the handheld at the point of care, as well as the ability to access up to five previous visits including lab results, thus enhancing the continuity of care.

Features and Functionality

The UFO© solution provides a powerful but compact tool for the field employees, enabling patient visit documentation performed on a user friendly, accurate, device.

This one pound cost effective unit operates 8 hours on rechargeable batteries or a power adapter and is small enough to fit inside a purse, nurses bag, briefcase, etc.

Key features include:

Navigation cues and prompts to guide user through all data entry

Missing data items alert and rejection of inappropriate entry

Increases productivity by cutting down on clinical, clerical and administrative paperwork

Eliminates duplication efforts by one time point of care entry

Frees nursing staff for additional visits

Stores and displays patient history

Assessment guided care plans

Ability to assign a PIN number identifier to staff for security

Accurate handwriting recognition with typewriter pop-up option

The UFO performs every function that a field employee does at the point-of-care. It not only completes the Oasis but also the Plan of Care (HCFA 485), the Care plans, Changes in Orders, verbal contact with physician, the mileage tracking, the in and out time for each visit, the entire clinical note with history of previous notes and vital signs graphing tools, extensive note taking and easy to structure charting. While at the point-of-care the UFO can even calculate the HHRG to offer the caregiver an opportunity to recheck the work.

The UFO© includes the basic functionality features as offered in pms5© (i.e. pop-up browse and select window with scrolling array selection). Handwriting ability and recognition are also available on the handheld for sections that include a free-text comment screen or editing of canned information. The UFO© is enriched with extraordinary navigational cues, assuring continuity in providing a user-friendly solution.

What makes the UFO© handheld unique, is that it is a "pen based" solution, providing the ability for your field staff to "point and tap" their selections with the pen. The design of the UFO© is basically FORMS BASED, eliminating the need for your staff to have to hand write the vast majority of information being entered. Each selection will take you through a series of screens for completion.

Short or long scrolling array point and shoot selections are available throughout the UFO©. In the areas where the scrolling arrays are long, an alphabet selector is provided. For example, you can tap on "ab", "cd", "ef", etc. for anything you are looking for that begins with that initial. In the Initial Assessment under the "Illnesses" screen, you can tap on the "ab" and you will have a scrolling array of all illnesses beginning with "a" and "b". Additionally, wherever time and dates need to be entered, a pop up calendar and time clock are available to simply tap on date or time.

A "diamond" and/or an "arrow" indicates there are pop-up's available (i.e. scrolling arrays, calendars, clocks). Additionally, as you complete each selection, the arrow will "darken" which allows the user to know they have completed that section.

WINpms© (REPORT WRITER AND pms5© ACCESS FOR WINDOWS ENVIRONMENTS) (back to top of page)

The WINpms© solution provides a powerful and flexible tool for users of the pms5© system that want access from a PC running under the Windows operating system (32 bits versions) and also like to build their own reports using the most advanced techniques of report designing. Everything from an object oriented and event driven graphical user interface.

This application allows the users to define exciting layouts and the more complex data relations, providing full access to the pms5©database at high speed. Includes full support for the SQL (Structured Query Language) language and a Query Builder that can write the SQL code necessary for a report if the user don't want to deal with it.

Additionally, direct access to E-Mail programs is included also.

WEB Based Benefits Web Based Benefits (back to top of page)