MIS priorities for MSO's (management services organization) & clinics without walls

Organized and efficient systems that are responsive to the needs of the medical group, hospital and management services organization are at the heart of successful integrated healthcare systems. Unfortunately, selecting the right systems solution can be a time-consuming and difficult process, at best. The problems are many. First, not all management services organizations look alike. Some are limited in scope and function. Others offer an expansive menu of services to the participating groups and physicians. Second, the level of sophistication of clinic or MSO personnel evaluating systems varies. Often, hospital systems personnel with little experience in the practice management arena are assigned the job of evaluating practice systems. Third, the budget for a data processing system may be limited. The process of forming an MSO and organizing a group without walls may be very expensive. Unless adequate budgeting is done in advance, only limited funds may be left for investment in systems. Lastly, identifying viable systems which are available can be an arduous undertaking. Literally, hundreds of possible systems are available. Unfortunately, few sources offer comprehensive information on each system suitable for proper evaluation. This has led many organizations to strategically design and develop their own physician network solutions and options using such applications as 4th generation data base language. According to Mick Bassell of Partners in HealthCare, a systems consulting group in San Rafael, CA., "a request for proposal process is usually the best way to identify systems that meet the group's needs, weaknesses and strengths. This should be done before vendors are asked to supply information about various computer systems. Developing a good RFP is a building process for both the MSO and group which will help them to jointly identify, organize and prioritize system requirements."