FAST 40: American HealthTech: a software evolution

American HealthTech Inc., a software solutions provider for

American HealthTech's humble beginnings evolved from a local in-house information services division of a Jackson-based long-term care chain in 1970 to a leading provider of software solutions for the nation's long-term care industry.

In 1982, the key management staff of the subsidiary company purchased the division and American HealthTech emerged as an independent company. Then headed by Bill Smith, the company began a steady, profitable rise to national prominence in its field, garnering a reputation for its superior products and services.

In 1985, the company released the PC-based version of its popular software, and in 1997, launched the first installation of LTC (longterm care) 32-bit Windows modules.

The last six years have been a blur of successes for American HealthTech, beginning when Bill Caldwell was elected president in late 1997 and charged with advancing the service firm to its full potential. In 1999, the company tripled its programming staff for fast track development, enhanced LTC University training options, initiated Web training alternatives, implemented high-end help desk software and rolled out additional modules. In 2000, an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) was implemented as the company posted a banner year in product development, rolling out seven major new releases and two brand new modules that addressed the hottest industry trends.

In 2001, American HealthTech led the industry in preparing software to meet HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requirements, and developed Corporate Customization Toolbox utilities to provide customers a greater ability to meet corporate standards with their software. In 2002, the company introduced a major payroll upgrade and completed its commitment to become debtfree while posting a record growth year.

American HealthTech expanded the leadership team for nextgeneration company growth in 2003, and unveiled Smart Charting, a fully integrated point-of-care system to revolutionize the way facilities deliver care. In 2004, the company released Therapy Management as a component of the Ancillary Tracking module and upgraded programs to Microsoft's next-generation programming environment, the .NET framework, to offer multiple connectivity options.

This fall, the company released Corporate Vital Signs, a comprehensive tool that rolls together dashboards, business intelligence, analytics, drilldowns, automated alerts and more, and also introduced eMAR/eTAR, a medication and treatment administrative system that tasks electronically at the bedside.

"Our clinical and financial software was designed from the beginning to share data flawlessly and seamlessly, and to flow effortlessly with the way you provide care," said Caldwell. "Our programmers don't just know how. They know why."

American HealthTech's post-acute clinical and financial software offers a fully integrated suite of 13 modules to accommodate all case mix billing methodologies. The company's research and development team maintains frequent communication with federal and state regulatory agencies and intermediaries to rapidly deploy programs addressing today's hottest issues, and evaluates emerging technology trends such as hand-held and wireless technologies, "weeding out the tools from the toys," said Caldwell.

"Great service takes more than product and industry knowledge," he said. "It takes great people skills. So continuing staff education is a way of life here. And to be sure you get the fight answers, right away, our staff is equipped with the very latest tools, including a comprehensive knowledge base."

Today, American HealthTech is a dominant provider of software for the long-term care industry, providing more than 3,000 licensed facilities nationwide with post-acute care clinical and financial software designed for nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. The company, the oldest of its kind in the industry, has nearly 20% of the national market share and a 99% customer retention rate.

"More than just a software provider, we are a business partner that walks alongside our customers, helping them thrive amidst the continuing challenges of the long-term care industry," said Caldwell.