ABOUT THE GUIDE

In 1995, renowned Home Healthcare technology consultant Tom Williams created a book that filled a 3-inch, 3-ring binder, “The Buyer’s Guide to Home Care Automation.” Published by UCG (now Decision Health), it sold for $450. The intention of publishing in a binder format was that purchasers would receive periodic updates as technology vendors’ product information evolved. Hundreds of Home Health, Home Care, and Hospice providers relied on Tom’s Guide when seeking software solutions.

Following Tom’s untimely passing in 2009, Rowan Consulting Associates adapted his concept to an online format. Today, Tim Rowan’s Buyer’s Guide to Home Care Technology is a free service for in-home care providers. It will be continuously updated with the latest vendor information.

The Online Guide has been expanded to include vendors of EVV, Telehealth, OASIS support, and CRM software. We have endeavored to make it as easy as possible for you to use this tool. Click on our HELP tab for simple instructions.

WHY USE THE BUYER’S GUIDE?

There are over 100 technology vendors with products and services for Home Health, Home Care, and Hospice. You may not be aware of all of them, which means searching on your own could prevent you from finding your ideal solution. Our process will first expand your search to all vendors, then we filter it to the few that match your expressed needs, based on your company profile and stated preferences.

We hope you will find this modern iteration of Tom Williams’ popular classic to be a useful and economical tool every time your agency initiates a search for a technology solution. As always, users of The Guide are welcome to contact us directly with any questions or suggestions for how we can make The Guide better for you.

Tim Rowan
Tim@RowanResources.com

HOW TO USE THE GUIDE

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE HOME CARE TECHNOLOGY BUYER’S GUIDE

Think of The Guide as your virtual technology selection consultant. Even if you eventually engage the service of an in-person consultant, The Guide will make you a smarter shopper and save you hours of your consultant’s time.

Tip #1: We recommend you read “About the Guide” first, then come here for step-by-step instructions.

Tip #2: There are over 100 technology vendors with products and services for Home Health, Home Care, and Hospice, but you are probably not familiar with all of them. Our process will first expand your search to all relevant candidates, then filter it to the best few, based on your company profile and stated needs. Your final choice may be a company you had never heard of, and we consider that a good outcome. We hope you agree.

SUMMARY OF YOUR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

1. Describe your business
2. Describe the technology you need
3. See relevant tech companies
4. Send an email request for RFP to all vendors with a single click.

NOW LET’S WALK THROUGH IT, STEP-BY-STEP:

STEP #1: Tell us about your business.

• Click “Start Your Search Here”
• At “Don't have an account?” click “Create One!
• Complete the form with your:
• Company Name
• Name, Title, Phone, Email of lead person of your tech search
• Create a password of your choosing so that future uses of The Guide will be quicker.
• Click “Sign Up”

STEP #2: Tell us about your current search

Tip #3: Shopper profiles are saved, but searches are not. If you do not complete a search in one sitting, you will have to start from the beginning next time. It is easy to do so, but you can make it easier by writing down each choice as you go through the process.

• EMR or Agency Management Software will produce a list of software companies
• Electronic Visit Verification software will produce a list of both EMR/AMS companies with EVV features and companies that offer only EVV solutions.
• Remote Patient Monitoring will produce a list of companies that only offer home telehealth systems.
• AI OASIS support will produce a list of the new companies that use AI to streamline the OASIS visit. Some may also be traditional EMR vendors.
• Customer Relational Management will produce a list of companies that only offer CRM. Some EMR/AMS companies may include CRM functions, but, for simplicity, they will not be included in this list.
• Online Education Systems will produce a list of training services for nurses, CNAs, personal care aides, and office staff. Some may offer certifications.
• Tech Solutions to Staffing Shortages will produce a list of companies that offer apps and programs that help with recruiting, interviewing, and retaining non-medical staff.

STEP #3: Tell us specifics about your business lines

• Do you offer one type of care and send claims/invoices to one type of payer?
• Do you offer two or more care categories and get reimbursed by several private and public payers?
• Click the line that best describes your business line(s).

STEP #4: That’s it, we now know who you are and what you need.

• Click “We’ve gathered results for you, click to continue.”
• Or, if you want to change an answer or two, click “Start over.”
• Our recommendations now appear, filtered by your own stated preferences.
• The list of companies you see displayed serves two functions:
• You can click on any company name and read its detailed profile and product/service descriptions. Some vendors have registered with us to have a direct link to their website displayed for your convenience.
• You can click “Prepare RFPs for these vendors”
• When you select #2, we build a custom email for you. With a single click, we will send this email to each of the vendors you have selected. The email will explain the technology you are shopping for, request an RFP, and give each vendor your contact information. The chances are you will begin to hear from them right away.

Naturally, if you prefer, you can contact vendors by email or phone on your own. Our automated Request for RFP email service is entirely optional.