Title
Virtual Visit Software Usage Agreement between COMCARE and Via Christi Hospital.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the agreement and authorize the Chairman to sign.
Background: This agreement will allow COMCARE and Via Christi Hospital (VCH) to partner in an effort to deliver mental health services in a more efficient manner. Via Christi will provide COMCARE access to its "Virtual Visit" software in order to facilitate timely assessments for patients at VCH who may require local inpatient treatment or treatment at a state mental health hospital. The agreement will save COMCARE resources as clinicians will be able to conduct patient screenings via televideo (i.e. interactive audio and video permitting real-time communication between the patient at VCH and the COMCARE clinician at a remote site) using technology that VCH already has access to and is willing to share with COMCARE. Because clinicians will have to travel for fewer patient screenings, COMCARE will save staff time and mileage costs.
This agreement is a new contract and has no cost associated with it. Via Christi will be responsible for any costs associated with ongoing maintenance of the software.
Alternatives: Should this agreement not be approved, COMCARE will continue to provide mental health assessments for patients of VCH but will not be able to do so remotely. COMCARE as a result would not see any of the potential cost savings.
Financial Considerations:
Term: 04/10/13- 12/31/13
Funding Source: N/A
Cost: $0.00
Legal Considerations: The authority for this action is K.S.A. 19-101 and a simple majority vote is required.
Policy Considerations: All Sedgwick County policies have been followed in the development of this agreement.