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The Flemish Social Protection (VSB) is a government agency dedicated to assisting Flemings in need of medical support. It provides supplementary allowances to citizens requiring long-term care, covering expenses like wheelchairs and care center services.
Applying for walking aids through a digital application
The VSB recognized the need for digitizing its processes. Many Flemish individuals require walking aids due to factors such as aging, chronic illness, or disability. Given the high volume of applications for walking aids, there was a pressing need to streamline this process through digital solutions.
Kunlabora responded by developing two applications for the VSB: first EMMA, followed byAPRO.
From Service Blueprint to first MVP in 8 months
When VSB tasked Kunlabora with developing an application in March 2018, responsibility for walking aid reimbursements had just shifted from the federal to the regional government. The aim was to simplify the application process for walking aids such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, and tricycles.
Given that the transfer of authority was recent, the project's exact scope and required functionalities were still uncertain. To effectively determine the project's requirements, the Kunlabora team began with a Service Blueprint.
A Service Blueprint involves close collaboration to understand the customer's vision and translate it into software requirements. This translation then guides the design of a high-level solution. This approach facilitates the creation of a clear plan and roadmap, leading to an efficient software development process.
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EMMA: Streamlining the request for walking aids
EMMA is an application designed to simplify the process of requesting, delivering, and billing for walking aids. With EMMA, suppliers can submit requests directly to the VSB on behalf of caregivers. These requests are then processed through the eHealth platform, where the VSB can approve or deny reimbursement for the requested walking aid.
This system enhances efficiency for all involved. Caregivers only need to select the desired device, while subsequent communications occur directly between theVSB and suppliers. Once a walking aid is approved, the reimbursement amount is invoiced directly to the relevant healthcare fund. As a result, the walking aid is promptly delivered to the caregiver.
Fast and efficient development process
Integrating numerous parties and workflows into the app made a Service Blueprint essential. Success in this endeavor required close cooperation, which was seamlessly achieved with VSB. Both parties were highly responsive to changes, ensuring the development of the most efficient and effective application.
The primary technical challenge involved integrating the application with the eHealth platform, which needed to ensure secure communication between EMMA and other VSB backend systems.
Thanks to the Service Blueprint, the development progressed rapidly: preparation began inMarch, and the first Minimum Viable Product (MVP) was delivered by December.
Following the success of EMMA: introducing APRO
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After final updates were implemented for EMMA in early 2019, Kunlabora was tasked by VSB with developing a new application: APRO. This application allows walking aid suppliers to register their devices with VSB, making them eligible for specific reimbursements.
APRO enables suppliers to register new types of walking aids as well as modifications to existing ones. A monthly advisory committee reviews and determines, in line with legislation, which new or modified products qualify for reimbursement.
One of APRO's useful features is the ability for suppliers to notify VSB when a walking aid is discontinued. This ensures that such products are promptly removed from the list of reimbursed items, keeping information current and accurate for all parties.
For this second phase of the VSB project, Kunlabora accelerated the development process.With preparatory work already completed and suppliers eager to register their new products and price indexes, APRO was successfully launched in April 2019.
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