Implementation Options

An AMS solution can involve one or more of the following services, depending on client needs.

1. Benchmark Analysis
A brief comparative analysis of all cost centers utilizing AMS best-practice benchmarks.

2. Operational Diagnostic
A short-term evaluation of all cost centers and departments.

The AMS Flexible Approach

Since 1967, Applied Management Systems, Inc. (AMS) has provided management solutions to more than 600 hospitals nationwide. Through the years we have developed several ways to approach issues utilizing a variety of specialized and experienced staff. These approaches take full advantage of our proprietary data and extensive experience in health care operations.

Problems may become apparent when the organization experiences an operating loss; when trend statistics indicate a change; when a specific department is experiencing difficulties; or when complaints surface from department employees, other departments, physicians or patients. What ever the scenario, AMS takes a flexible, customized approach to solving the problem.

Description of Options

1. Benchmark Analysis
A brief comparative analysis of all cost centers

Problem scenarios: Hospital management suspects it has an inappropriate distribution of labor resources but cannot easily identify a particular area or department. A hospital believes it is adequately staffed, but requires an outside objective review to corroborate its staffing level for internal or external purposes. A hospital is under immediate pressure to reduce staff and needs to identify opportunities .

Solution: AMS recommends a Benchmark Analysis to compare current staffing levels to optimum levels in our proprietary comparative database. This involves review of actual and budgeted workload indicators (volume statistics) and labor resources for the current fiscal year. The analysis does not include discussions with department managers regarding systems or staffing issues. The steps and typical timeframe utilized to complete a Benchmark Analysis is as follows:

2. Operational Diagnostic
A short-term evaluation of all cost centers and departments

Problem scenario: When a hospital experiences changing volume and service demands, the institution's physical plant and resources feel the strains. Department managers flood administration with requests for staff, equipment, etc. The hospital may run at a deficit. Are these requests needed? Are the departments using the most efficient and appropriate systems?

Solution: In such a situation, AMS recommends development of a management systems strategy that provides the hospital with an assessment of current department operations including systems and staffing levels. This assessment or Operational Diagnostic provides an overview of current service delivery systems and associated staffing. It also allows us to assess if modification of those systems is possible and if opportunities exist to improve operating effectiveness.

The operational diagnostic serves as a cornerstone for the development of department productivity standards for selected departments. 

Using workload standards, comparative data and AMS previous experience in similar institutions, AMS identifies areas of potential economies of staff expense and system improvements. A typical methodology follows:

To view a printable brouchure of this service as well as others we provide our clients click the following link: Downloads