MHM Services Selects CogniMed for Handheld Point of Care Clinical Documentation and Billing
LAS VEGAS — September 15, 1997 — Pocket-Sized Unit to Capture, and Automatically Transfer Information Daily
CogniMed(SM), LLC, provider of patient management software solutions, has won a contract from MHM Services, Inc. of Vienna, VA to provide 500 handheld Point Of Care (POC) systems to capture clinical documentation and billing information during treatment. A handheld PC, currently marketed as a "palmtop computer," uses simple touch interfaces, screens and drop-down menus customized to the needs of MHM's mental health professionals. The system makes clinical documentation dramatically easier than paper-based methods, and significantly reduces costs while increasing accuracy of billing.
The information collected is automatically transferred to a central server using the built-in modem or when the device is placed into its recharge cradle at the end of each workday. A permanent record is then generated within the CogniMed server of both billing and clinical information, enabling overnight billing and subsequent retrospective chart auditing if needed for review. MHM's president and chief executive officer, Michael Pinkert, says of the new system,
"Based on our successful field tests, we now have a low cost method of communicating clinical data from the field that allows us to bill for services on a daily basis." Pinkert continues, "Our professionals gain field time, we reduce billing costs and improve our cash flow. We anticipate the total savings will give us a very short payback on the system." The CogniMed system, based upon the Microsoft Windows CE operating environment, offers many features not available on current laptop computer applications.
The inexpensive unit fits into a pocket or purse, and is instantly available after it is turned on. The small size does not act as a barrier between patient and clinician. Yet like a laptop computer, a Microsoft word processor, spreadsheet, address book and schedule are built in and compatible with Microsoft Office 95 and Office 97 products. "We believe building our products on Windows CE has given us a lead in applications providing field point of care data to a central server," said John Haughton, M.D., CogniMed president and CEO. Haughton added, "We expect these powerful, low cost systems will quickly become a tool for every field clinician and home care professional, especially with OASIS just around the corner."
About MHM Services, Inc.
MHM Services is a multi-state provider of on-site specialty healthcare services, including mental health, optometry, podiatry and dentistry. Its markets include extended care facilities, correctional and school systems. MHM currently provides services to nearly 1,000 nursing homes in six states through direct contracting with these facilities as well as a large state contract to treat the metal health needs of Medicaid patients in nursing homes. The company also services more than 55,000 inmates in 3 state correctional systems. MHM has been providing in-patient and outpatient behavioral health services for more than 15 years. The company started by managing contract behavioral health units in medical / surgical hospitals and also owned seven freestanding in-patient psychiatric facilities. In 1993, MHM decided to change its focus to outpatient services and sold its in-patient contract management business, as well as six of its seven psychiatric hospitals.
About CogniMed
CogniMed, LLC provides software to manage the 20% of the patient population generating 80% of the healthcare cost. Specific solutions include integrated case and disease management, referral tracking, resource and administration management, and point of care documentation. By gathering and utilizing patient data and care trends in the most efficient way possible, physicians, clinicians, and administrators can improve the quality of patient care, highlight problems early, and sharply reduce cost and inefficiency. CogniMed modules use common, secure data, eliminating duplicate data entry across clinical and many other existing systems within a facility, including billing and medical records. CogniMed software is designed to operate and connect with leading network, server, and client computer platforms. Product and company [email protected], or by visiting the CogniMed Web site at http://www.cognimed.com
CogniMed is a servicemark of CogniMed, LLC. All other servicemarks and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
CONTACT:
Gerath & Associates, Inc.
Christopher Gerath, (978) 264-4707
[email protected]
or
CogniMed(SM), LLC
David Greaves, 888.CogniMed
[email protected]