Message from the board chairAurora VNA 2010 Annual Report
Keeping health care affordable
Finding ways to manage costs is one way to help patients and families afford Aurora VNA services. In 2010 we implemented some processes to address affordability.
- Supplies: Each day, patients contact us for home health supplies. In many cases, there are multiple supplies going to a home. We're now able to help patients order supplies and have them shipped directly from our supplier. Patients receive their supplies promptly and the cost of delivery is reduced.
- Bar Coding System: We are utilizing a new bar coding system to ensure accuracy in tracking home health equipment and supplies. The technology reduces the time caregivers spend on paperwork related to fulfilling orders and managing the delivery of home health services.
- Virtual Workspace: The common availability of wireless technology has given us the advantage of utilizing "virtual work sites" for more caregivers. Home health professionals no longer have to travel to a central office for charts, forms and other information for their patient visits each day. All the materials and information is now available electronically – including the ability to update patient charts. The result is a need for less office space and a "virtual" office that helps caregivers to serve more patients each day.