(Charlotte, N.C.) OrthoCarolina and Mariner are highlighted in a case study recently issued by Microsoft that spotlights the benefits of a Microsoft-based business intelligence practice management solution. Mariner, an industry-leading business intelligence and performance management solutions provider, helped design and implement a complete Microsoft Business Intelligence Solution for OrthoCarolina. One of the nation’s largest specialty practices, OrthoCarolina was formed when two local orthopedic practices merged. OrthoCarolina and Mariner collaborated to develop dashboards and analytical tools that enable the combined medical practice to operate more effectively. The business intelligence solution empowers doctors to improve clinical outcomes, boost operational efficiency, and increase patient satisfaction.

OrthoCarolina chose this solution because it enables users to access analytics and performance information using Microsoft software tools they already know and like. The solution supports merging complex processes and sensitive data required for two the practices to become one and provides the clinicians, administrators and managers ready access to key performance indicators and other decision support data.

Having selected the Microsoft platform, OrthoCarolina engaged business intelligence leader, Mariner, to work with them to design the practice management system.

“Microsoft and Mariner were more cost-effective by a factor of 10 or more,” says Steve Hendrick, OrthoCarolina’s Chief Information Officer.

“Working alongside OrthoCarolina, gave our Healthcare Practice team a unique opportunity to help one of the largest orthopedic practices in the country improve efficiency, and patient care and satisfaction,” comments Joseph Guy, Mariner’s COO and Co-Founder.

A Mariner White Paper, “Healthcare Performance Management Strategies for Highly Efficient Practices spotlights OrthoCarolina’s Business Intelligence solution. It is available by emailing healthcareinfo@mariner-usa.com.

OrthoCarolina has 12 offices and 800 employees across the Charlotte region with medical teams totaling over 120 physician and physician extenders serving approximately 550,000 patients annually.

Mariner, Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner of the Year for 2008 in Performance Management Solutions and TDWI’s Best Practices Award Implementation Partner for 2009, specializes in business intelligence, data warehousing, business scorecards and performance dashboards to help clients improve productivity and decision making in a variety of industries including the education, utility and healthcare sectors. As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner with specializations in Business Intelligence and Performance Management Solutions, Mariner helps organizations translate strategy into action. Mariner-Realizing Visions with Technology. www.mariner-usa.com.