To get your agency set up on a platform like MediSked Connect is not the same as buying a software product, such as Microsoft Office, and installing in on your computer, opening up the application and immediately begin using it. Typically, it takes 4-6 months to get set up and here’s why.
Getting to know your agency. Software that you can buy right out of the box is great for applications like word processing or spreadsheets. When it comes to a system that will manage a majority of the functions at your agency, software out of the box is sure to disappoint. We have been working with provider agencies for ten years and can honestly say that no two customers are the same. It’s important for us to get to know your agency – how it runs, the documents you use, and the specific functions that you need the system to perform in order for it to be a success. Through this discovery process, we begin to get familiar with your agency and you with us. This relationship building process is critical because we are going to be able to better recommend ways to set up the system knowing your preferences and as a result be a better support to you once you go live (even *gasp* know you by name!). You only get out of the system what you put in and this step is crucial in the set up process.
Knowledge transfer. Another key philosophy we have is that we shouldn’t be the experts that you have to turn to every time you need to change or do something in the system. It’s like the old proverb says: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Our approach is to make a group of your staff members MediSked Connect experts so that you become self- sufficient and empowered with our product. The Premier Knowledge Transfer process is a process that teaches members of your agency how to use and run the system as we are implementing it so that by the time it’s ready to go live, you have a core group that knows the product inside and out and can train the rest of your staff and any new hires into the future.
Compliance. Because our solution manages the electronic billing and records of the agency, being 100% compliant to the local, state and federal mandates is necessary. We have a dedicated compliance team that is always watching for new legislation or mandates that have an effect on how provider agencies document and bill for their services. Making sure your system is 100% compliant before you go live is an absolute requirement for this category of software.
Testing. The final step in the process is to test the system before you actually go live to make sure everything is working properly. We are diligent in the testing stage because you don’t want to go live and find out your billing isn’t being accepted, for example. A dry run or “dress rehearsal” is good for the staff as well – so they can see how the system works in a real environment but still have us there to ask questions and get comfortable with process.
We get really excited when we see our customers, who before engaging with us were not comfortable with technology, embrace the system and get really good at it. One of the most common things we hear when we visit with our customers is “I don’t even remember how we used to do this before we started working with you.” Installing a new technology is often viewed as a daunting task. Sometimes it’s the case where you can’t even visualize how it happens. Our job is to be there with you every step of the way and use our tried and true process to get your agency onboard. By letting us do the heavy “tech” lifting, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by bringing in a new technology and ultimately you will be very comfortable with the technology once the process is over.
