North Dakota Department of Health Selects Caduceus Systems
Austin, Texas (March 23, 2004) – Caduceus Systems, a leading provider of wireless, real-time materials management, medical logistics and contract compliance systems, today announced that the State of North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has selected its Caduceus Materials Management Information System (Caduceus MMIS) for use in the event of a bio-terrorist attack or disaster that would prompt the emergency need to distribute and dispense pharmaceutical and medical supplies provided through the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). The contract also includes implementation and consulting services and bar code scanning equipment used for automatic data collection and process automation. Implementation began in August 2003 and the system is expected to be ready for deployment within 60 days.
The Caduceus MMIS is designed to provide automated support for North Dakota’s primary distribution centers, intra-state supply chain and dispensing sites and will expedite the lead times associated with providing the necessary pharmaceutical and medical supplies to the citizens of North Dakota. The system maintains a master patient database comprised of each citizen living in North Dakota and will provide real-time visibility of the location, quantity, consumption and replenishment ordering for each supply item throughout the statewide distribution network.
"We were looking to accelerate the accuracy and efficiency of our ability to deliver the requisite meds to every affected citizen of North Dakota within critical timeframes", said Dr. Curt Juhala, MD, Strategic National Stockpile Planner at the NDDoH. "There are numerous steps in the process between receiving the contents of the SNS from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the actual treatment of patients on a statewide basis. The capabilities provided by Caduceus Systems will streamline all of these activities with easy to use, real-time tools that will enable us to respond much quicker."
The Caduceus MMIS solution automates the processes and workflows associated with the requisitioning, procurement, receipt, movement and charge capture of all medical and surgical supplies for healthcare facilities. Using wireless automatic data collection and workflow, it eliminates redundant processes and enhances safety by reducing errors and allowing clinicians and caregivers to focus more on patient care. The Windows®-based, open architecture of the Caduceus MMIS facilitates easy integration with other systems used by the NDDoH and healthcare facilities’ financial and clinical systems, thereby reducing the time needed for implementation and preserving previous investments in existing systems.
Caduceus adapted its Caduceus MMIS to meet the specific requirements and challenges that confront each state and the designated Major Metropolitan Response System (MMRS) locations that have responsibility for providing emergency support for the SNS in the event of a bio-terrorist or chemical attack and other natural disasters. The unique functionality of the NDDoH system beyond its comprehensive support for distribution center operations is its ability to break down an order for redistribution to 110 dispensing locations in the state, and to track quantities shipped, received, stockpiled and consumed at each dispensing site.
"We are integrating the Caduceus MMIS with a number of related systems for epidemiological detection and monitoring," said Tim Wiedrich, Director, of Emergency Preparedness and Response Section. "Should the need ever arise for us to rapidly respond to a potential bio-related disaster, we’re confident that the interoperability and process oriented work-flow capabilities of the Caduceus system will make our emergency response process much more efficient."
"We’re very impressed with the thorough approach to emergency preparedness by the State of North Dakota," said Ed Lane, CEO of Caduceus Systems. "They are a model example for the creation of a tactical plan and comprehensive solution that we all pray will never have to be deployed for an authentic disaster. But if such an event occurs, we are positive that they have the most advanced capabilities available to rapidly safeguard and treat the people of North Dakota."
About Caduceus Systems
Caduceus Systems LLC automates materials management and contract compliance for the healthcare industry. The Caduceus System delivers unprecedented and immediate cost savings through optimized inventory levels and supply chain efficiency, operating in real time to enhance patient care and safety through accuracy of treatment. Designed exclusively for use by healthcare delivery networks and hospital facilities, Caduceus incorporates open software standards, UPN bar code recognition and wireless scanning to offer the most technologically and functionally advanced materials management solution available to healthcare networks today. The system further benefits healthcare facilities by adapting to and/or optimizing existing hospital workflow processes with acknowledged best practices. Caduceus Systems also provides a comprehensive suite of data management services including data cleansing and data analysis in support of healthcare procurement and materials management functions. Based in Austin, Texas, the company also has offices in Salt Lake City, Utah. More information about Caduceus Systems is located at www.caduceussystems.com .
