Credentialing Software Survey

OAMSS CREDENTIALING SOFTWARE SURVEY RESULTS 2000

The following are the results of the credentialing software survey conducted at the last OAMSS meeting:

Number of surveys completed: 73 Number currently using software: 48 Number not using software: 25 Number planning to acquire software in the next 1-2 years: 15 Types of software being utilized and related comments: Number using Cactus: 16 Benefits/features: -Tracks everything. Numerous tables so there is minimal typing. -Quick sorting of data. Reporting features. -Multi-entity, versatility with many information screens. -Support – friendly and knowledgeable. -Made our workflow more efficient. Able to produce verifications, acceptance letters, etc. from Cactus. Keeps track of health plan specific information. Able to do tracking, reporting and auditing of existing or current information within Cactus. -Ability to query in any field, credentialing verification module, audit log -User friendly -Currently building database. The most useful portion now is a “profile” used for reappointment. -Very versatile program which has pre-made reports and a broader credential tracking system. Drawbacks: -Sometimes it’s difficult to decide where to put some info. because there are so many tables. Really talk to the Cactus folks before data conversion takes place. Some of the info. can end up where you don’t want it. -Problems working with resigned/deleted physicians with running reports, etc. Address changes. -I find that group addresses (changing and deletes) difficult to use, but I don’t understand it well. -Queries and reports can be difficult to run. -Reports -Too many layers of information -Too big, cannot use for AHP -Ability to develop customized reports is very time consuming and difficult. I’ve found the program very hard to learn and navigate. -A little less efficient than the DOS version due to flexibility of the program. Are you satisfied with technical support? Yes: 10 No: 1 -Very friendly and knowledgeable -Very friendly and helpful -They don’t always have the answers; they must research and it takes too long. Number using Midas: 12 Benefits/features: -Information retrieval -Very user friendly and very easy to use. The ability to get reports from software is great. A special request comes in and you can get the data in a timely manner. -Familiarity with the system -The credentialing software is integrated with quality assurance/risk management/safety monitoring. -Integration with QA/monitoring Not sure there are any above what is offered by the other vendors. We purchased 6-7 years ago. -I received Midas as a result of hospital purchasing for QA - not something I would recommend. -Waiting on new updates. Our hospital did not keep up with ongoing updates and now we are catching up. Company has upgraded MS section of program – came into market for QA. Page 2 Credentialing Software Survey Results

Drawbacks: -Does not meet all retrieval requirements -I’ve found it almost worthless. -Reports -Midas is still DOS version. I am very excited to be going to the Midas+ credentialing this year. -DOS-based system. Reports are hard to create. -Ad hoc reports are difficult. Not Windows based yet Are you satisfied with technical support? Yes: 9 No: 2 -Difficult time zone. -They do very well with service. -Don’t deal directly with them – have “health system” support person. Number using HealthLine Systems: 4 Benefits/features: -Has all basic elements required of systems -Overall like it, but have never tried any other system -Versatility -Capable of doing a lot of functions and can be utilized in other departments Drawbacks: -Inability to quickly move between screens. Very mouse dependent. -Changes in 7.0 Windows – staff status screen and dept. screen – facility info. only adds additional work to make changes. -Too complex. Support staff in different time zone. -If a change is needed with the software, must contact California to have the change inputted (response time and time difference). Are you satisfied with technical support? Yes: 4 No: 0 -Tech support needs to be more responsive at a quicker pace. Number using MD Staff 3 Benefits/features: -Demographics, CME -Tech support is wonderful. -Fantastic technical support for low cost. Interfaces well with Word/WordPerfect. Drawbacks: -Not user friendly -Did not set up our forms very well – have to re-do them -Somewhat limited on a few reports Are you satisfied with technical support? Yes: 3 No: 0 Page 3 Credentialing Software Survey Results

Number using Vision 2000 – Horizon: 3 Benefits/features: -Very user friendly -Status record -User friendly, technical support Drawbacks: -Very powerful, not enough time to utilize all its functions. -Crystal report writer. Are you satisfied with technical support? Yes: 3 No: 0 Number using PRIVplus: 2 Benefits/features: -Reports that are available Drawbacks: None listed Are you satisfied with technical support? Yes: 2 No: 0 -Return calls on a very timely basis Number using Medical Staff Line/Quality Edge: 1 Benefits/features: None listed Drawbacks: None listed Are you satisfied with technical support? Yes: 1 No: 0 Number using SweetPro by Sweetwater: 1 Benefits/features: -User friendly, icon driven Drawbacks: -Limited report parameters Are you satisfied with technical support? Yes: 1 No: 0 Page 4 Credentialing Software Survey Results

Number using internally designed system: 5

Suggestions for MSSPs who are in the market for credentialing software: -Make sure you IS people are involved from the beginning. -Determine your needs. -Cactus is very useful for multi-entity systems. -Cactus is able to be used by multiple entities versus other systems that can only be used by single entities. -Make sure you perform site visits to see the software in action. -Don’t buy the first thing you see!! -Look for user-friendly software that contains already-made or constructed reports. -A software program works even more to your liking than a personally-made database (Access, etc.). The ability of these types of programs is so great and save time in the long run with data. -Look at Midas. -Evaluate interfacing capabilities and difficulty level in report writing function. -HealthLine Systems is a good system. -Concentrate on steps for data entry – ease of use. -Do it! It saves time, paper, etc. -MD Staff is a very good product. Excellent tech support. -Be sure technical support is available. -MSO may be the best. -Talk to current clients who are of similar size and needs. -Recommend Morrisey products. -I formerly used Horizon software for credentialing. Good program, though not very flexible and poor customer service. -Recommend Cactus

Please contact Rhonda Hughes (740-592-9359) with any questions or comments.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT!