Mediware takes 'holistic' approach

LENEXA, Kan. - After a number of acquisitions and three years of development, Mediware has released CareTend, a software solution that allows providers in a number of homecare markets to use a single platform.

While CareTend uses the CPR+ platform from Definitive Homecare Solutions as its foundation, it's a “new design across the board” versus a new version of an existing solution, company officials say.

“Rather than an evolutionary approach, CareTend is more of a holistic approach,” said Kim Commito, director of product management for the Homecare Solutions Division. “It's not limited to architecture that started in one perspective and grew into another. It addresses all the needs and desires from a global perspective.”

In addition to Definitive Homecare Solutions, Mediware previously acquired Fastrack and CareCentric's software solutions for the homecare market, including MestaMed.

CareTend, which can be hosted by the provider or by Mediware, offers different modules based on a provider's business mix, officials say.

“We turn on and off the different modules that are appropriate for that particular customer,” said Paul O'Toole, vice president and general manager of the Homecare Solutions Division. “So if they're an HME and IV provider, they'd have the HME and IV modules turned on.”

The real power of the system: “The same patient can be worked on regardless of the module,” O'Toole said.

Mediware built migration capabilities, such as data conversion utilities, into CareTend, officials say.

“I've been in the software business for 25 years and usually that's an afterthought,” O'Toole said.

But Mediware realizes its 1,300 customers won't convert to the new platform overnight, officials say.

“We don't have set timelines for when we're going to discontinue support,” O'Toole said. “We're going to allow it to evolve over time.”