May 2005 - MEPRS.info
Transcription
May 2005 - MEPRS.info
Volume 2, Issue 3 May 2005 Strategic Sidenotes A Message from the Program Manager Several exciting MEPRS initiatives are on the horizon, and we showcase them in our May edition of the MEPRS.INFOrmer. As part of sustained efforts to improve MEPRS efficiency, I am pleased to relay the forthcoming release of EAS IV version 3.1. This essential system upgrade hits the MHS this summer, and MEPRS personnel can look forward to a number of functional improvements with its implementation. For those involved in MEPRS data processing, prepare to perform your work in a user-friendly, web-based environment. The shift to an Internet-based application eliminates the need for intensive hardware and software maintenance, allowing you to focus on the task at hand and enjoy increased productivity. EAS IV Repository users will also reap the benefits of EAS IV 3.1, experiencing speedier data retrieval with the streamlined system. Learn more about these and other value-added EAS IV improvements in our feature article. And plan to attend targeted EAS IV 3.1 training at our upcoming conference—which brings me to my next point. The wheels are in motion with respect to our 3rd annual TriService MEPRS Conference, scheduled for the last week of August 2005. The curriculum is nearly complete, and logistical details are being finalized. We have capitalized on the feedback provided in last year’s evaluation and through the MEPRS Information Portal to bring you comprehensive instruction related to data quality improvement. As in past years, content will be delivered via plenary and breakout sessions, with ample time devoted to Service-unique training. I highly encourage your participation in this informative, fun-filled event. A particular benefit of note is the opportunity to exchange MEPRS best practices with other facilities and Services. Please contribute to the success of this year’s conference by bringing your enthusiasm for learning and readiness to share your MEPRS insight. Have a safe and restful Memorial Day weekend. Hope to see you in August. EAS IV 3.1 to Streamline MEPRS MEPRS personnel can expect functional EAS IV Version 3.1 Quick Look improvements to the Expense Assignment n Web-based application with flexible data entry options System (EAS) with EAS n Companion desktop product for IV version 3.1, slated offline processing for limited deployment n Single, central server for MTFbeginning June 2005. level and DoD standardized data The revamped product n Minimal user maintenance features streamlined n Faster EAS IV Repository query system architecture while processing time maintaining essential data n Limited rate deployment beginning June 2005 processing capabilities. The EAS IV system aggregates financial, personnel, and workload data from Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) worldwide, providing management and analysis support for various Military Health System (MHS) initiatives. A complex system of expense classification by work center, it is instrumental to the establishment of standardized data integral to sound healthcare cost management. See EAS IV 3.1 Overview on Page 2 Inside This Issue Pg 1 EAS IV 3.1 to Streamline MEPRS Pg 1 Strategic Sidenotes Pg 3 MMIG Meeting Highlights Pg 4 MEPRS Quick News Pg 4 Save the Date! Pg 5 Useful Sites Pg 5 Points of Contact Patrick Wesley MEPRS Program Manager, TMA Chairman, MMIG The MEPRS Informer pg 1 EAS IV 3.1 Overview Continued from Page 1 System Features The existing version of EAS IV relies on client-server architecture requiring appropriately configured hardware and software at each MTF. Facilities accumulate MEPRS data elements from Serviceunique interfaces and the Composite Health Care System (CHCS) using servers located on site. This system design necessitates the maintenance of 156 separate servers for the processing of MEPRS data. Currently, data are merged at the MTF-level before transmission to the EAS IV Repository, a separate database containing standardized Tri-Service MEPRS information. capabilities. To facilitate user-intensive functional areas, the web solution offers a separate EAS IV desktop application for the Error Correction Unit (ECU) and Adjustments modules. The companion desktop product allows users to complete adjustments and error corrections in the absence of internet connectivity. In these instances, corrected data can be subsequently uploaded to the EAS IV web application via HTTPS data transfer. System Benefits With the release of EAS IV version 3.1, MEPRS data processing will occur in a web-based environment characterized by minimal EAS IV 3.1, the forthcoming upgrade, will retain the capability user maintenance. The redesigned system eliminates stringent to interface with CHCS and Service hardware requirements and their respective financial and personnel data systems. support costs, and it facilitates updates and EAS IV Version 3.1 However, it will streamline data Workstation Requirements interface additions. Because EAS IV upgrades processing by introducing an Internetwill be performed through the central server, end n Windows 2000 or Windows XP based application and Oracle-driven n Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher users will no longer be required to install periodic database architecture. A single, central n Business Objects, Version 6.1a software releases. Without rigorous system server will replace site-specific servers n Java Web Start (JRE 1.4.2)* maintenance tasks, MEPRS personnel can focus n EAS IV Desktop application* for the accumulation of MTF-level on data processing activities and timely EAS IV *Required for desktop product expense, manpower, and workload Repository transmission. Users will also benefit information. The central server will from greater data entry flexibility with EAS store MTF-level MEPRS data in addition IV 3.1. In addition to these improvements, the to DoD standardized information. system redesign will increase the reliability and Thus, data transmission to the EAS IV processing speed of EAS IV Repository queries. Repository will entail the migration of DoD information from one area of the server to another. Deployment Process End users will access EAS IV version 3.1 via an MHS-supported web browser configured for 128 bit encryption. The web application supports all aspects of EAS IV processing through 12 system modules, including Table Maintenance, Allocation/ Processing, Exception Handling, and Validation. These modules preserve the functional integrity of the existing EAS IV package, such as data import and export features and manual entry Beginning in June 2005, a maximum of six MTFs will be designated as Limited Rate Deployment (LRD) sites. Facilities will be representative of the MHS enterprise and will include CONUS and OCONUS locations. Sites will perform dual data processing using the existing EAS IV version and forthcoming upgrade, comparing information from both systems using standard See EAS IV 3.1 Overview on Page 4 The MEPRS Informer pg 2 MMIG Meeting Highlights At the quarterly meeting held 6–7 April 2005, the MEPRS Management Improvement Group (MMIG) discussed external partnership data capture, Composite Health Care System (CHCS) enhancements, issue papers, and other hot topics. The two-day event was attended by Service MEPRS representatives, Resource Information Technology Program Office (RITPO) personnel, and various Military Health System (MHS) support contractors. Read on for meeting highlights. n n The MMIG discussed the proposed Naval Health Care New England (NHCNE) methodology for capturing workload performed by providers outside of the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) setting. The methodology was developed based on a comprehensive Navy analysis that assessed several options for capturing external workload. The Services will continue to evaluate the proposed data capture strategy and its potential impact on business rules and data systems. Data from the EAS IV Repository suggest that not all MTFs are utilizing the Ambulatory Procedure Visits (APV) Enhancements to CHCS. The APV Enhancements change package permits the tracking of Minutes of Service (MOS) where work is actually performed, providing an accurate representation of nursing time devoted to APV patient care. With the implementation of this module, EAS IV allocates inpatient cost pools on the basis of Minutes of Service (MOS), not Occupied Bed Days (OBDs) as previously used. EAS IV Repository users can access specific FY05 MOS data used as the basis for cost pool purification from Class 15. Minutes of Service are reported as A*X Weighted Statistical Amounts, with OBDs represented as Raw Statistical Amounts. A recent analysis, however, indicates that OBD values are appearing as weighted workload for many facilities. For other MTFs, inpatient cost pool weighted workload appears as OBD values multiplied by 1440, which is the number of minutes in a day. Facilities that exhibit these reporting trends should ensure that their Data Set ID (DSI) information is properly configured in CHCS. Refer to the presentation entitled ‘WAM Best Practices,’ available on the MEPRS Information Portal, for assistance with the set-up process. Content pertinent to this issue begins on slide 12 of that briefing. n n n n n n n All MTFs have completed transmission of FY04 data to the EAS IV Repository. The Services discussed the need for edit capabilities within the Labor Cost Assignment (LCA) module of the Defense Medical Human Resource System-internet (DMHRSi). Without such functionality, generation of a DMHRSi/LCA EAS IV output file may be time-consuming. The FY06 EAS IV Table Review process commenced in mid-April and will continue through the first of June. This task is performed annually to ensure that EAS IV tables are reflective of current business rules. MMIG members were updated on the FY05 MEPRS Application and Data Improvement (MADI) workshop schedule. Six workshops have been conducted this fiscal year, all of which were well received. Progress continues on curriculum development for the TriService MEPRS Conference. This year’s event will include roughly 10 hours of Service breakouts and the traditional MEPRDY competition. Efforts will be made to decrease the lag time between the receipt and subsequent MMIG review of System Change Requests (SCRs). All approved SCRs will undergo a final MMIG review prior to implementation. These measures are intended to eliminate instances where, after implementation has commenced, an SCR is impacted by factors that were not relevant at the time of its development. The MMIG will convene in June 2005 for a MEPRS strategic planning session. Highlights from the meeting will be presented at the Tri-Service MEPRS Conference in August. Download MMIG minutes and presentations from the MEPRS Information Portal at www.MEPRS.info. For additional information on MMIG activities, please contact Cynthia Barrett at cynthia.barrett.ctr@tma.osd.mil. The next MMIG meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 2005. ☼ The MEPRS Informer pg 3 MEPRS Quick News Save the Date! MEWACS Change TMA is pleased to invite you to the 3rd annual Tri-Service MEPRS Conference, to be held 29 August–1 September at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, VA. This year’s event, themed ‘Depending on Data Quality for Improving Data-based Decisions,’ offers invaluable instruction for MEPRS personnel, Data Quality Managers, and Analysts alike. The Summary Outliers metric in the MEPRS Early Warning and Control System (MEWACS) no longer includes data from FCA (Purchased/Referred Care) in its calculation of MTF historical averages. The algorithm was revised because FCA now captures T-Nex expenses, resulting in substantial but legitimate increases in site expense profiles. This change was implemented in April 05. ☼ New MADI Classes The MEPRS Application and Data Improvement (MADI) Workshop offers instruction on the organization, interpretation, and application of MEPRS data contained in the EAS IV Repository. Check out the MEPRS Information Portal for details and online registration. Registration opens six weeks prior to each workshop. If you missed out on MADI in FY05, plan to attend a workshop during the coming fiscal year. ☼ FY06 MADI Schedule 8–9 November 2005 Falls Church, VA 6–7 December 2005 Falls Church, VA 7–8 March 2006 Falls Church, VA 18–19 April 2006 Falls Church, VA 11–12 July 2006 Falls Church, VA EAS IV 3.1 Overview Continued from Page 2 management reports. All identified data issues will be communicated to the Resource Information Technology Program Office (RITPO) for investigation and resolution. Testing will continue until EAS IV 3.1 has demonstrated the appropriate functionality. Full deployment will commence shortly after system validation, with the release schedule coordinated through each Service’s Central Design Agency (CDA). The TMA MEPRS Program Office looks forward to offering a more efficient data processing environment with the release of EAS IV version 3.1. For additional details on the system redesign, please contact Audrey Heil at audrey.heil.ctr@tma.osd.mil. ☼ Consistent with past formats, the conference will feature a combination of plenary sessions, breakout presentations, and hands-on electives. Attendees can expect to enhance their knowledge of MEPRS processing in the context of data quality improvement. Plenary sessions will highlight MEPRS resource sharing data capture guidelines, along with TMA’s vision for future MEPRS Attendees enhance their MEPRS knowledge at a initiatives. 2004 conference breakout session. Breakout sessions will be equally informative, offering functional insight into DMHRSi and other strategies for optimizing data quality. Less experienced personnel are encouraged to attend Newbie Day, a gentle introduction to MEPRS concepts and fundamental data processing issues. From the implications of proper coding to the intricacies of Relative Value Units (RVUs), the conference will offer comprehensive MEPRS education while promoting cross-Service networking. You won’t want to miss this wonderful training opportunity! Curriculum plans are currently being finalized and will be posted shortly on the MEPRS Information Portal. Visit www.MEPRS.info in the coming weeks for registration details. ☼ Have a MEPRS question? Click the Contact Us button on the MEPRS Information Portal for help! The Human System Interface (HSI) team is ready to assist you with queries, analyses, and general MEPRS information. Access the portal at www.MEPRS.info. The MEPRS Informer pg 4 Useful Sites MEPRS Information Portal (MEWACS, MADI, and more) www.MEPRS.info (www.tricare.osd.mil/ebc/rm_home/meprs) Navy MEPRS website https://imcenter.med.navy.mil/eas Army MEPRS website www.ampo.amedd.army.mil/ Air Force MEPRS website MHS Help Desk www.afms.mil/sgmc/ www.mhs-helpdesk.com/ Points of Contact Air Force TSgt Jody Callender, AFMSA/SGSR jody.callender@pentagon.af.mil MSgt JoAnn Milster, AFMSA/SGSR joann.milster@pentagon.af.mil Army Ms. Debbie Malkovich, OTSG debbie.malkovich@otsg.amedd.army.mil Ms. Mona Bacon, MEDCOM mona.bacon@amedd.army.mil Navy Ms. Nicole Brooks, BUMED nmbrooks@us.med.navy.mil The MEPRS.INFOrmer is a publication of the MEPRS Program Office at TMA. If you have questions about this newsletter or a story idea, please contact: Mr. Jerry Baker gerald.baker@tma.osd.mil TMA Mr. Patrick Wesley, MMIG Chairman patrick.wesley@ha.osd.mil EAS IV Help Desk 1-800-498-5076 MHS Help Desk 1-800-600-9332 Official correspondence may be sent to the MEPRS Program Office at: TRICARE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Management Control and Financial Studies Skyline 5–Suite 407 5111 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041 The MEPRS Informer pg 5