SunGard to Implement MACESS.exp at Kaiser Permanente

SunGard Workflow Solutions, an operating unit of SunGard (NYSE:SDS), announced that Kaiser Permanente has selected MACESS.exp, its newly launched business process management solution for managed healthcare organizations.

MACESS.exp is a focal point of Kaiser Permanente’s Claims Shared Service Organization (CSSO) initiative; a national, multi-year, multi-regional business and IT effort, that is aimed at consolidating and standardizing claims transaction processing systems, migrating regional operations, transitioning regional staff, and creating a permanent shared services center in Silver Spring, Md.

The business objective of Kaiser Permanente’s Claims Shared Service Organization initiative includes the consolidation and integration of all benefit administration activities, along with line of business management capabilities.

Kaiser Permanente is also looking to reduce IT maintenance expenses, enterprise administration costs per claim, claims benefit expenses, and the cost of regulatory compliance. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente wants to enhance contracting capabilities; improve provider management; and improve management tools through consistent procedures.

The Kaiser Permanente Claims Shared Service Organization initiative will span more than three years and will involve the consolidation of six Kaiser Permanente plans into one centralized, claims payment center. Six different Kaiser Permanente plans – Colorado, Mid-Atlantic States, Georgia, Ohio, Northwest, and Hawaii – will participate in the Claims Shared Service Organization (CSSO) initiative.

These plans, known as the ROC – Regions Outside of California, account for half of all Kaiser Permanente enrollments. Participating plans will begin rolling into the system in early 2004.