The FAMCare Blog

"Communication can make or break a project. Here's how to make sure all the key players are always in the loop. "

I came across this great article that talks about communication and the important role communication plays in project management.  Communication is key to the success of every project. Not only in the planning phase and kickoff meeting, but also throughout the course of the project, and even after the completion of the project.

No one wants their project to fail or go over budget however, this is a common occurrence due, in part, to poor planning at the onset of the project planning process.  Identifying the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How are the first steps to creating a successful Project Team and Project Plan. Taking the time to ensure that you pick the right team, ensure that your team has the appropriate knowledge, providing a clear communication process and timelines will certainly put your project on the right path.

The software industry is still a relatively “young” industry- think car manufacturing, steel manufacturing etc. begun more than a hundred years ago versus software starting in the 50’s but only becoming widespread in the late 80’s/early 90's. There is also the creative side of software design that enters the picture. Because of this there are many temptations to have a homegrown system built just for your organization.

What would a PC be without Windows? Back in the day I purchased a high powered laptop from an Internet dealer that was shipped without Windows preloaded. I removed the gleaming new machine from the box and immediately had one of those moments when you thought you knew where you were going, but suddenly realized you were lost. Here was the latest computer with the most robust memory and the fastest processor on the market, and I had no idea how to use it. I didn’t even know how to turn it on, let alone put it to work.

One of the core principles at Global Vision Technologies is “solving the unsolvable.” As the Director of Infrastructure at GVT, I help manage our infrastructure systems, such as our data hosting facilities. There are many times when we’re faced with that “unsolvable” challenge, and I love the opportunity to tackle it.

While working on an implementation at a customer site, I observed a caseworker in Michigan entering data into a SACWIS (State Automated Child Welfare Information System) computer system, then immediately enter the same data (plus some that SACWIS didn’t have) into the agency’s own system.

FAMCare makes data collection much easier and efficient.  Not only are electronic forms easy to read, the built-in workflow helps drive caseworkers in specific directions, helps them focus and keeps them productive. 

An Entirely New Paradigm for Post-Acute Health Care Management

The managers of residential care facilities we work with everyday report that the residential care and post-acute health care industry is changing at an alarming rate. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has shifted its focus away from simply measuring volume, toward a pay-for-performance system focused on value and quality. The implications of this shift in payment processing and compliance procedures for management in post-acute care, nursing homes, and hospice facilities are vast, complex, and daunting. Managers are scrambling to measure quality outcomes, improve compliance, and emphasize the customer experience throughout their organizations.

The sharing of information has reached a break-neck pace.  There are no constants in how we collect and share information.  Every day, new ways to manage information are developed, found and employed by agencies.  The more sophisticated ones have embraced the latest technologies to make their agency better.  Yet, many agencies cling to a traditional model of case management, using paper as their foundation for collecting data, observing trends and assessing outcomes. 

How important is it that you get paid for the services you deliver - promptly?  What does that mean for how you manage cash flow?  How does a promptly paid invoice help your third party service providers?

Digging deeper - how quickly can you get an invoice out after services have been delivered?