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Healthcare IT veteran leaves competition to join winning team
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Vocantas acquires former president and CEO of Health eTechnologies
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Ottawa, ON, Canada (9/17/2008) - OTTAWA, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ - In response to an overwhelming interest in remote care solutions by home healthcare agencies, Vocantas Inc. is pleased to acquire the skills and expertise of Roger Shindell. Gary Hannah, president and CEO, today announced the appointment of Shindell as president of the company's U.S. operation, Vocantas Ltd.
Bringing to bear his more than two decades of industry experience, Shindell will focus initially on addressing the high demand for remote care delivery in home healthcare agencies, where Vocantas' technologies can offer a great deal of relief. Of the over three million patients cared for by home healthcare agencies in 1998, over 50 per cent suffered from one or more major chronic diseases (National Association of Home Care and Hospice 2001). These patients require ongoing monitoring and follow up to ensure they keep on track with their treatment plans.
As the former president and CEO of Health eTechnologies, Shindell is keenly aware of the severity of the situation. Under the U.S. Medicare prospective payment system instituted in 2000, home healthcare agencies have a clear incentive to improve efficiency and reduce costs. In addition, they must work to improve the consistency and quality of the care they provide, as government reimbursement is adjusted depending on patient care outcomes. Finally, home healthcare agencies are significantly impacted by the growing nursing shortage in the United States, and are looking for ways to leverage their scarce healthcare human resources.
"With senior populations exploding, home healthcare agencies are now facing a tipping point," says Shindell. "I am very excited for the opportunity to bring Vocantas' technology to this greatly challenged market."
Designed by Vocantas, CallAssure CDM is an automated calling system that allows healthcare providers to provide chronic disease management in a cost-effective manner.
While home healthcare agencies are required to provide a minimum number of face-to-face visits, the additional contact needed simply reduces margins on the prospective payments. CallAssure CDM gives healthcare providers the opportunity to monitor patient/nurse interaction and track patient progress in a more cost effective manner. Combining an interactive voice response system (IVRS) and advanced speech recognition technology, the CallAssure solution uses customized call scripts to fit a patient's needs.
"These calls can help ensure that patients receive all the care they are prescribed and that nurses have the tools to help them administer exceptional service," Shindell added. "This not only means a more streamlined and consistent experience for the patient; it frees up valuable time for skilled medical staff to focus on those patients who require more intensive care."
Shindell is a multi-disciplined and seasoned professional with over 20 years experience in the areas of marketing, finance, operations and information technology. He is based out of the Vocantas Ltd. office located in Chicago, IL.
About Vocantas
Vocantas is a Canadian company that has over a decade of experience developing IVR solutions for corporate and public sector clients. Its products have particular application in the healthcare, education and utilities environments where they have been proven to increase efficiencies while minimizing operational costs. The company's easy-to-use, turn-key solutions offer customizable core features and optional enhancements that integrate seamlessly with existing systems. For more information, please visit www.vocantas.com.
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Vocantas Inc.
Editorial Contact:
Carole LaPorte
613-271-8853 just say "Carole" (ext. 545)
carole.laporte@vocantas.com
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