Healthcare Management Systems, Inc., is helping a rural health network in Texas automate its financial activities and share clinical data through a community-based electronic medical record.
The Hamilton Healthcare System, based in Hamilton, Texas, will use HMS’ financial and clinical software throughout its network, which consists of 34-bed Hamilton General Hospital, the nearby Family Practice Rural Health Clinic, the Hico Clinic in Hico, Texas and the Family Practice Clinic of Mills County in Goldthwaite, Texas, as well as a special care clinic and community wellness center.
The HMS package will allow the health network to automate its patient accounting, accounts payable and eligibility processes as well as share lab results, physician orders, medication administration and transcription and other clinical data through the EMR.
Nashville-based HMS serves more than 650 community hospitals, behavioral, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities and multi-entity healthcare providers around the nation.
“HMS was attractive because of its customized software that allows systems to grow and expand,” said Chad Reinert, the health system’s director of information technology.
“We wear many hats in a rural hospital, which makes it difficult for a group of us to be off-site for training for an extended period of time,” added Michele Cathey, the system’s chief operating and financial officer. “HMS’ on-site training allowed us to train our 200 employees without disrupting patient care.”
The health system began implementing the HMS suite this month as part of its “HHS200: Racing Forward” campaign. Officials expect to implement all software by this summer.
“We provide integrated and interoperable products and services that meet the technology needs in the community hospital setting,” said Tom Stephenson, HMS’ president and chief executive officer. “HMS puts clinical and financial information at the fingertips of staff. We fully appreciate the significance of providing the clinical functionality and training hospitals need to achieve meaningful use.”
