Application Service Providers
As the Internet gradually revolutionizes the practice and business of Healthcare, Providers, and Payers alike are realizing they must keep in stride with innovations in technology to survive.
Recent surveys tell us that more than half of the Healthcare Organizations polled have increased their IT budgets in 1999 and into 2000. This is compared to an overall 10% reduction in the previous year. Plans to implement Internet and Intranet strategies to access e-commerce and to automate provider transactions are widespread. It is clear that the majority of Healthcare Organizations want to make the most of their legacy systems, and will likely move forward with e-commerce initiatives. According to recent surveys, the primary elements hindering positive forward movement in these areas in recent years have been, cost cutting, reduced FTE's and lack of executive level understanding of the benefits that investments in information technology can yield.
However, a large percentage of Private Practice Physicians do not have the income or technological savvy to invest in such forward technology. But don't despair, there is solution for those healthcare practitioners too! The inception of an Internet based, ASP is the answer. An ASP (Application Service Provider) is an entity that purchases and maintains provider-based software and allows the Provider access and usage for a minimal monthly fee. For example, Dr. Smith, a Private Practice Internist, purchases an Internet connection (from AT&T, Cox Communications, etc) which is installed directly at his office. All he needs is a P.C. in order to access the Internet. From there, the ASP will provide his office with a user I.D. and a password, and he has a brand new, secure, state of the art, billing program, patient scheduler, A/R Management tool! He can access patient information, patient account information, and Insurance information. He can print monthly or weekly reports, manage cash flow, balance bank deposits, etc. He can send claims via paper or electronic directly to the clearinghouse of his choice, right from his office, and never have to print a HCFA-1500 claim form again! All this accessibility to a practice management software program, without spending thousands of dollars on a software program, monthly maintenance, or hardware upgrades. Currently, the price for a comprehensive Medical Management software program ranges from $ 5,000.00 to 50,000.00. Not to mention hiring and training competent staff to handle the daily operations of the program.
Where do you go to get more information on an ASP? Click here to find out more about an ASP membership.
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