CMS Medicare Content Automation Tool

  • Python Development
  • Process Automation
  • Government Contract

A Python desktop application that automated the content publishing workflow for Medicare customer service representatives. Built to solve a real workflow bottleneck I identified while working on the CMS Training, Quality, and Content (TQC) contract.

  • Date:July 2022 - June 2023
  • Type:Internal Process Tool
  • Role:Python Developer & UX Designer
  • Tech Stack:Python, tkinter, Git, XML

The Problem: Manual Content Publishing Workflow

Content authors created Medicare policy documents in Microsoft Word with specific formatting and styles. To publish these for customer service representatives, our team had to:

Manual Steps (2+ hours per release):
  • Manually rename each document file following naming conventions
  • Run command-line conversion scripts for each file individually
  • Copy/paste XML outputs to correct directories
  • Execute multiple Git commands for version control
  • Create deployment packages manually
  • Handle separate English and Spanish versions
Pain Points:
  • High potential for human error in file naming
  • Time-consuming during urgent Medicare policy updates
  • Required technical knowledge of Git and command line
  • Inconsistent processes across team members
  • Difficult to track what was processed when

The Solution: User-Friendly Automation Interface

I designed and built a desktop application that simplified the entire workflow into a guided, step-by-step process accessible to non-technical team members.

Step 1: Initial Interface
Initial Medicare Scripter Interface
Document Selection

Clean interface with clear guidance. The "Documents" button lets users select multiple Word files at once, with immediate feedback showing how many files were selected.

Step 2: Output Configuration
XML Path Selection Interface
Output Directory

The "XML Path" button lets users choose where processed files should go. Status messages guide users through each step with prompts like "Next: Select XML output directory."

Step 3: Project Details
Initiative Configuration Form
Initiative Information

Simple form fields for Initiative Name and Developer Initials ensure proper tracking and Git commit messages for the deployment.

Configuration Save and Script Execution Process

Validation & Automation Execution

Steps 4-7: Clicking "save" validates all inputs and shows a confirmation. The "Script" button then becomes available, with a detailed dialog explaining exactly what the automation will do before execution begins.

UAT Deployment Process and Success State

Deployment & Completion

Steps 8-9: The "Deploy UAT" button handles Git operations and creates deployment packages automatically. Success confirmation shows that content is now available to Medicare customer service representatives.

Impact & Skills Demonstrated

Measurable Results:
  • Time Reduction: From 2+ hours to 15 minutes (87% improvement)
  • Error Elimination: Removed manual file naming and Git command errors
  • Team Adoption: All content managers could use the tool independently
  • Process Consistency: Standardized workflow across the team
Technical Skills Applied:
  • Python Development: Object-oriented programming, file processing, subprocess integration
  • UX/UI Design: Progressive disclosure, user feedback, error prevention
  • Process Analysis: Identified bottlenecks and designed efficient solutions
  • User-Centered Design: Built for non-technical users with clear guidance

Why This Project Matters

This tool exemplifies my approach to development: identify real problems, design user-friendly solutions, and deliver measurable improvements. The combination of Python automation with thoughtful UX design created a tool that not only worked technically but was actually adopted and used daily by the team. The project demonstrates my ability to bridge technical complexity with user accessibility—essential skills for creating effective digital experiences.