|
| [November 13, 2012] |
 |
WaveMark selected for Innovative Government Healthcare Program
BOSTON --(Business Wire)--
WaveMark, Inc. is working with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
(VA) to provide a real-time inventory management solution as a
subcontractor to HP Enterprise Services under the Real Time Location
System (RTLS) Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) 11 contract.
In February 2012, the HP team, including WaveMark, began deploying a
RTLS solution for VA hospitals in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan (the
VISN 11 VA healthcare network). The VISN 11 RTLS pilot is one part of
the VA's multi-site, multi-year effort to integrate different locating
technologies into a seamless Digital Hospital. This fully integrated
solution tracks mobile assets, consumable assets, and sterile product
processing. The goal of the first-of-its-kind solution is to ensure
patient safety, reduce costs, and streamline workflow across the VA
healthcare system. WaveMark provides the consumable asset tracking
solution in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Labs that
integrates seamlessly with the overall Digital Hospital solution
provided to the VA by HP in VISN 11.
The WaveMark solution is being used to track supplies in the Cardiac
Catheterization and Electrophysiology Labs in VISN 11 facilities in Ann
Arbor, Detroit, and Indianapolis. The WaveMark solution combines RFID
"smart cabinets" that read their contents automatically and RFID enabled
point-of-care stations to capture usage. WaveMark's sophisticated supply
chain software helps patient safety by improving product availability
and automating the tracking of expired and recalled items. The Cath Labs
in VISN11 are beginning to reduce costs by right sizing inventory,
reduce write-offs, and improve patient documentation through hands-free
capture of high value supplies at the point of use. WaveMark integrates
seamlessly with other leading solutions to enable an integrated Digital
Hospital Suite where the VA staff has one place to go to look for an
expiring stent, a missing wheelchair, or an IVpump that needs cleaning.
The WaveMark solution went live in the Ann Arbor VAMC in February 2012.
"What the system has really given us is better communication which leads
to the Veteran having the right item, in the right place, at the right
time. This is everyone's responsibility and that's what it comes down
to," reports Angie Hernandez, Logistics and Supply Manager.
Leading manufacturers are beginning to apply RFID tags to their products
before they are shipped to the VA which greatly simplifies the receiving
process. High-value supplies are easier than ever to access. Staff gains
visibility into inventory and are able to see all items that are stored,
removed, returned, and nearing expiration. By running more meaningful
reports, staff (including doctors) gains insight into usage, ideal par
levels, supply chain efficiencies, procedure-specific cost, and doctor
preferences.
According to Justin Cooke, current Biomedical Engineer for the VA
National CMOP (Pharmacies) and former VISN 11 RTLS program manager,
"WaveMark has provided the VISN 11 Healthcare Network with
industry-leading smart cabinet technology that leverages truly
intelligent software to identify inefficiencies in our Cardiac
Catheterization Laboratory supply chain and ultimately optimize the
delivery of our nation's veterans healthcare through high-frequency
RFID. The initial implementation has been received with such resounding
enthusiasm that it has already inspired our healthcare providers to
explore expanded applications of the system in an effort to more
completely utilize WaveMark's supply chain management tools."
"As the strategic systems integrator for the VA RTLS project, we're
looking forward to extending the early RFID solution results achieved at
the Ann Arbor VAMC with WaveMark across the VISN 11 hospital network,"
said Deborah Elgot, RTLS Solutions Portfolio Manager, U.S. Public
Sector, Enterprise Services, HP.
John Wass, CEO of WaveMark noted that "WaveMark's best in class solution
and market leadership position were instrumental to being selected by HP
and by the VA as a critical part of this important program to better
serve our veterans. We are excited to be a part of this innovative
program that is quickly becoming a model for the industry."
About VA
Guided by its vision to provide veterans the world-class benefits and
services they have earned - and to do so by adhering to the highest
standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism,
integrity, accountability, and stewardship, the VA operates the largest
integrated health care system in the country. With a health care budget
of more than $50 billion, VA expects to provide care to 6.1 million
patients supporting 920,000 hospitalizations and nearly 80 million
outpatient visits this year. VA's health care network includes 152 major
medical centers and more than 800 community based outpatient clinics.
About WaveMark
WaveMark is the market leader in Real-Time Healthcare Supply Chain
Innovation. WaveMark solutions drive innovation from
point-of-manufacture to point-of-care enhancing patient safety and
regulatory compliance, while improving the economics of healthcare. Our
solutions leverage RFID, cloud, and mobile technologies to bring
quality, financial, and operational transformation into the healthcare
supply chain. From real-time smart cabinets in hospitals to mobile apps
for global medical suppliers, WaveMark's flexible technology portfolio
solves critical challenges in healthcare.
For more information go to www.wavemark.com.

[ InfoTech Spotlight's Homepage ]
|