Smaller providers have found it difficult to compete for contracts being outsourced by the NHS because the regulations demand that they have a computerised EPR system, for which infrastructure costs can often prohibit purchase. By using the new 'Software as a Service' (SaaS) option from IMS MAXIMS they will now be able to obtain a solution which is better and more flexible than a conventional system as it is provided on an affordable monthly finance basis, without any costly or time-consuming changes to their infrastructure.
This development is a UK first and is likely to open up a whole range of opportunities for smaller independent companies and private practices. Effectively it revolutionises their ability to win contracts providing services for the NHS as now it is mandatory for a Choose and Book system to be in place for private healthcare providers to provide services under the Free Choice Network via Choose and Book.
Shane Tickell, IMS MAXIMS CEO, said: "A great many smaller independent healthcare providers have been prevented from providing outsourced services to the NHS because the cost of an EPR is beyond their reach. Our new service completely transforms the situation by providing affordable access to a top-class EPR which is compatible with Choose and Book. Clients are able to manage their clinics in a highly efficient and effective way, using a system that has been developed with a great deal of input from clinicians - so is geared to their needs and intuitive to use."
"There's nothing else out there quite like it, and it means that a new and dynamic group of healthcare providers can enter the market and compete on a level playing field with the large independent companies," Tickell continues. "This in turn will mean that the NHS, and its patients, have a far wider choice of talented clinicians from smaller, more specialised clinics competing to provide cost-effective and high quality care."
By adopting a Software as a Service model, IMS MAXIMS is able to provide its tried and tested solutions on a rental basis, and as it is entirely web-based there is no need to buy extra hardware or software. There are no time-consuming set up periods and no disruption to the customer’s existing infrastructure.
The IMS MAXIMS system integrates with Choose and Book and all the connections to the N3 network are provided as part of the service. The IMS MAXIMS team get everything up and running and ensure that it does just what the client needs, which is essential as many of them are likely to be providers of specialist services.
Another advantage is that IMS MAXIMS solutions exceed standard EPR functionality and allow users to create advanced Integrated Care Pathways to enhance efficiency, improve patient care and capitalise on new Best Practice Tariffs. The system will manage an entire episode of care, from referral to the provider, through diagnosis and/or treatment, through to discharge - all stages are electronically managed, allowing a true efficient, paperless environment to be created.
It is expected that some of the customers for the new service will be experts offering specialised care services. New customer contracts are due to be announced shortly.
About IMS MAXIMS
IMS MAXIMS specialises in developing clinical and administrative software solutions and currently supports more than 100 organisations and 10,000 users of IMS MAXIMS products.
To find out more about IMS MAXIMS and its products visit the website at www.IMSMAXIMS.com.