- Coordinated Access to Services
-
- Problem
- "Please have a seat and fill this out." People hear
this phrase all too frequently. Care providers often make referrals to each
other, and people are forced to travel from one agency to another and fill
out the same paperwork at each agency. This is a tedious process that can
lead to inconsistent information and delay providers from efficiently caring
for their clients.
-
- Solution
- In response, United Way of Northern Nevada and the
Sierra has created a new integrated care network, called TapCare,
that enables service providers to safely and effectively serve their clients
through the use of a shared case management system. TapCare consists
of several key elements: 1) a comprehensive software platform
called Tapestry, provided by
Visionlink, Inc.; 2) four mandatory
training modules; 3) a series of UWNNS-developed documents and
agreements designed to ensure HIPAA system compliance; 4) operational
and procedural protocols developed by UWNNS to ensure the working
effectiveness of the multi-agency environment. (Note: UWNNS
has developed elements 2-4 over the course of 3 pilot projects and a
number of community-wide discussions on these important topics.)
-
-
Use of TapCare means patients give
their information only once, and allow it to be shared by multiple
agencies/care providers. They no longer have to spend valuable time filling
out forms and explaining their history and situation. All of this
information will be instantly, and securely, at the service provider’s
fingertips. Thanks to TapCare, the patient saves time and service
providers can work together to give the best care possible.
-
- Closing the loop
- TapCare
also helps
service providers "close the loop" when they make referrals to other
providers. Often, it is unknown if a client actually accessed the referral
agency and received the services they needed. This follow-up is easy and
takes just seconds.
-
- This is NOT just a computer system
- There is much more going on than just logging on to
a computer system – TapCare teaches providers how to work together to
provide the best care to this community. Providers receive mandatory
training and ongoing support to ensure competency and consistency.
-
- Why TapCare?
- This is a valuable program that helps
people, and members of their family, get immediate assistance from many
different service providers. Supporting TapCare will help ensure
access to services for people in need in our community.
-
-
Questions,
please call Jeanette Bussey at United Way: (775) 333-8271
Jeanette@uwayreno.org
-
_________________________________________________________________________
-
TapCare
was previously known as "Integrated Case Management"
For almost a decade,
public and private human services providers and United Way have been working
to design and implement an integrated case management system, known as TapCare. The goals of
the TapCare system are to achieve results such as streamlined service delivery,
improved use of existing and limited resources, and reduction of duplication
in services. Throughout this time, United Way has served as a convening
agent and leader in this effort, through the community. United Way manages the project and
system used by providers to better case manage their clients.
|
