On September 4, OPIE Software, Gainesville, Florida, announced that it is merging Futura International, Clearwater, Florida, under its corporate umbrella. The newly combined organization will have a staff of more than 65 people. It was also announced that Jon Shinn, the previous COO of OPIE Software, has been named president of the combined software organization. "The continued development of technologies specific to the O&P profession is critical for the field to succeed as technology becomes the foundation for all providers in healthcare," said Don Bauernfeind, owner of Futura International. "We firmly believe that by bringing our two companies together, our clients have the very best chance to meet these new technology challenges as they continue to evolve." Currently, there are 980 locations utilizing the OPIE Software and more than 700 locations using the Futura system. "Our two organizations have been friendly competitors for the past decade, but it's really amazing how things work out sometimes," said Paul Prusakowski, OPIE Software CEO. "When Don presented us with the opportunity to talk about how we could work together, we realized that instead of spending resources competing with Futura, we could use those same resources to help drive new technologies to help both of our client bases...." In addition to the merger, OPIE announced the launch of OPIE Choice Network, a member organization of O&P practices from around the country that will allow the practices to remain independent while leveraging their data, purchasing power, and expertise. All members must use the OPIE or Futura software. "Our focus is to create a collaborative organization where our members work together, speaking the same software language while remaining independently owned business," explained Mark Ford, president of The OPIE Choice Network. "We are starting with the introduction of a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), providing a sophisticated business analytics system for members, and the launch of a billing and collection service." The business analytics will allow network members to compare their individual performance against the collective members in terms of patient outcomes and patient satisfaction, among other things. Data leveraging will help practices' internal operations by way of management dashboards, and assist their external communication with third-party payers and referral sources, Ford added. Central fabrication integration will also be offered.
