 Case Studies - Health Management |
A local health services management company is a pioneer in establishing programs to meet Alabama's changing health care needs. Through innovations in health
services, from hospital facilities and retirement communities to continuing medical education, this organization serves its communities with high quality health
services.
Prior to involvement with ACCi, this health management company had several locations with staff services. Each location had a separate computer network file server
with a vertical market health management system, and several local computer users that connected to the health management application. Each location generated its
own reports, invoices, requests, etc., and submitted them to headquarters. Additionally, an outsourced billing resource received the paperwork via fax, FedEx
package, or postal mail to assist in the billing process.
This scenario created several management and technology challenges for the company. One such issue was that of the need to purchase a separate server and software
program for each location. Another issue was the costs associated with maintaining the health of each separate network. Long distance charges for faxes and support
phone calls added to the rising costs associated with some locations. Each additional branch that opened required the purchase of local computing equipment for the
vertical software application.
ACCi consulted with the customer with the goals of providing a robust solution, reducing maintenance costs, and centralized management. ACCi recommended the
implementation of a Wide Area Network (WAN) to connect each location to headquarters using Cisco router equipment and AT&T Frame Relay Services. The separate
servers were eliminated at each location, and all applications were loaded on a fault-resilient Compaq server solution at headquarters. Citrix Metaframe for Windows
was deployed on this server solution, and the vertical market application software is accessed on this platform for each branch location.
The health management company deployed Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and
Exchange 2000 Server for the corporation. This allows the users to exchange information
electronically, instead of via long-distance phone calls or faxes. Additionally, the company installed Raptor, a server-based firewall solution to enhance its
security platform for its AT&T Managed Internet Services.
The resulting platform has enabled the company to centralize its accounting and billing operations from one location, centralize its technology infrastructure and
reduce maintenance and upgrade costs, provide secure corporate information and increased availability to information, and reduce costs associated with distance
issues, maintenance, etc.
The company continues to grow in the areas of long term healthcare, sub-acute care, and retirement communities. As new locations are built or purchased, each
location is brought under the umbrella of technology and management utilizing the same model as deployed for the previous locations. |
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