PowerObjects, a professional services firm 100% focused on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, has developed a solution to help lower hospital readmission rates of Medicare beneficiaries for certain conditions. This cost-effective solution comes at a critical time for institutions; those that fail to keep readmission rates low will face steep financial penalties in the coming years under new rules laid out in the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP).

“HRRP is a penalty-only initiative that compels hospitals to keep readmission rates low for heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia,” says Timothy Pratt, RxRM solution designer for the health and life sciences at PowerObjects. “If they don’t, their Medicare reimbursements are at risk, and that adds up to significant reductions in DRG base operating funds.”

“Basically, these institutions won’t be rewarded for good outcomes—they will face financial penalties if they don’t achieve government-mandated targets. That means there’s no extra money to make this happen.”

PowerObjects’ Discharge Readmission Evaluation and Management (DREAM) solution was designed to provide a cost-effective solution to help reduce readmission rates. As part of the company’s RxRM initiative, DREAM configures Microsoft Dynamics CRM to meet the highly specialized needs of hospitals and clinics.

“What these institutions really need is an affordable readmission management solution that will help them identify patients who are at-risk for readmission, and automate processes to help avoid that outcome,” says Pratt. “DREAM leverages the capabilities of Dynamics CRM to enhance post-discharge recovery, reduce readmission rates and avoid severe financial penalties.”

The DREAM solution uses Dynamics CRM to automate processes like sending reminders to schedule follow-up clinic visits, fill prescriptions and track key status indicators—highlighting those at highest risk. It includes the ability to include caregiver and family contact details to help facilitate post-discharge follow-up care. The system is also designed to integrate with existing hospital systems.

“When processes for follow-up care are automated, it takes the burden off the shoulders of hospital employees and lets sophisticated technology do the hard work,” says Pratt. “And that’s exactly what these institutions need.”

Those interested can learn more about the DREAM solution on the PowerObjects website.