Hospice Software

Hi,

I'm on the east coast and the software we use if Cerner BeyondNow. We are looking at McKesson right now, but will sit tight until we are certain we want to make a change.

Regardless of the software you use, the most important thing to remember is for the notes to be patient specific.

As for our product, we've had it since 2003 when we went live. The critical updates, some due to CMS, are tough to keep up with.

It seems to be working for now though.

ljk

I used to be IT for two hospices that used Misys Homecare. Nobody liked it at the last hospice I was at, but it was mainly due to a lack of training and it's incredibly expensive. If you use field devices, the synchronization can be a PITA.

We were researching A LOT of new programs to switch to before I was laid off. The one that I liked best was HPMS - Hospice Patient Management System. It was user friendly and programmed specifically for hospice clients. Just remember that no matter what system you choose, you are not going to please everyone and there will always be a learning curve. Also, if you are involved in the decision making process, make sure to ask whether they can convert your records from the current system to the new system and how much they charge to do so.

HTH

Thanks so much for your advice. Can you tell me more about HPMS? Is it online or is there a need for a server?

They offer options for in-house server configurations as well as managed on-line systems. The former is cheaper, but you would need to have an IT staff to maintain it. They offer modules for laptops/tablets, PDAs for HHAs, and of course workstations. The billing/accounting portion of the software is regularly updated to meet medicare requirements. There is also a bereavement module in addition to the electronic medical records. It's been a while since I reviewed the program, so I would recommend checking out the following link: http://www.millsmur.com/hospicesoftware/index.asp. I was laid off before the decision to purchase the application was made. The sales reps are very helpful and friendly. Of all the software I reviewed, they had the best reps and our clinical, billing and marketing/social services staff were very receptive at the demo. I am happy to answer any questions you have throughout the process. I had been a hospice IT specialist/administrator/analyst for the last five years.

I appreciate you sharing your expertise. I'll keep that in mind.

Our home care uses McKesson and want us to consider switching to it.

It seemed rather intensive with many screens.

Thanks again

I found that McKesson is more geared toward home care but has been "tweaked" for use in hospice. SunCoast is very hospice specific and makes the documentation very oriented to the POC.

As said before, no software is going to make everyone happy. And, switching from paper to laptop will carry a considerable learning curve but should be well worth the effort from a clinical perspective.

Good luck.