The Project

Paper-based time reports can slow down even the most efficient company workflow. A Boston-based non-profit hospital network wanted to change their reporting process. They needed custom database development. Our team developed a web application that allowed their physicians to meet TEFRA requirements via auto-generated reports.

A large Boston-based hospital network came to Aciron once they realized they had an inefficient reporting process. However, it was in compliance with the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA). Under TEFRA law, the hospital was required to have its physicians complete reports that detailed their amount of working hours. In addition, they had to provide a detailed breakdown of that time. This was previously accomplished through a manual, paper-based distribution process. Hospital administrative staff would then collect the forms and manually compile the information to create reports. This process was inefficient, time-consuming, and provided little visibility into reported data. The hospital staff realized the need for an easier and more efficient method of form completion, collection, and reporting. In the end, they engaged Aciron to develop an application that would streamline the reporting of the required TEFRA forms.

Our Approach

Aciron consultants worked closely with key hospital personnel to gather and analyze the project’s requirements. Our team gained an understanding of TEFRA reporting and how it could be streamlined. Once we had had discussed development options, the client decided to develop a secure, custom, browser-based system. It would be designed according to exact client specifications. Aciron conducted a series of requirements-gathering sessions and developed a set of story-board slides/screen mock-ups that enabled the client to visualize the application. The approach was flexible to the development of the system, allowing the client to regularly review, provide feedback, and make adjustments. Aciron engaged key stakeholders and provided regular status updates, delivering complete visibility of project progress. In the end, we delivered a scalable, end-to-end system that met all of the client’s needs. It also engaged in unique customization to integrate the application into the client’s current environment.

The Solution

Aciron developed a custom web-based application that provides an electronic method for physicians to log and report hours. The hospital network was also provided an electronic medium for generating the required reports for such data. The user-friendly system, tailored to unique physician processes, contains the following key features:

• Ability for department administrators to distribute, track, and collect physician time logs.

• Access for physicians and physician assistants to complete time logs.

• Reporting capabilities for administrators.

Aciron developed the system to be adjustable, such that functionality and enhancements can easily be implemented in future builds. The application provided the hospital network with a streamlined electronic method of completing the TEFRA requirements. In conclusion, the new process helped enhance efficiency. The custom application was anticipated to increase the overall physician response rate, decrease the amount of time needed to collect the form information, and allow for deeper analysis into reported data

Have an idea for a project? Want to see how your business can grow? It’s time to work with Aciron.