The New Orleans patient tracking system (PTS): data management for a network of community-based alcohol and drug treatment providers

SUMMARY The New Orleans Patient Tracking System is a software system on an INFORMIX platform which operates in a UNIX environment on dual Data General file servers. The system networks 15 alcohol and drag treatment service delivery units and four central intake units, two of which are located in criminal justice agencies. These agencies are linked through a wide area network based on primary rate interface and integrated system digital network communications technology. This management information system supports centralized intake, standardized assessment, slot management, patient-program matching, patient tracking and self-corrective program evaluation for the network of drug treatment providers. These system features are discussed in detail.