Compare ClaimTek
Web VS Desktop Application
Is a web-based application productive for a professional medical billing service?
ClaimTek’s MedOffice® Software is
for serious-minded Medical Billing Professionals, who want and expect much more
for their new business investment. Our State-of-the-art software technology that
allows you access from anywhere will help your business grow quickly and run smoothly.
If you want a greater return on your investment, don’t settle for overrated, expensive,
slow, unsafe, Bottom-of-The-Barrel web browser technology.
Below is a full analysis why browser web-based ASP applications are not your best
choice to run a truly professional medical billing service.
First, we would like to briefly explain the 3 methods that software applications
in this field can be accessed.
(1) The application is installed locally on your computer or on your local
network
(2) The application is accessed remotely via simple direct connection from
any computer (free connectivity utility is part of your Windows operation systems).
This is called Server-Based ASP. (MedOffice can be run as a server-based ASP.)
(3) The application is web-based accessed via a browser. This is called
Browser-Based ASP.
Notice that there are 2 kinds of ASP models: Server-based and Browser-based.
Server-based gives you the same rich user experience in usability, look and feel
as an application running on your desktop or laptop. In web-based ASP applications,
the user experience becomes limited because, among other reasons, you cannot open
multiple screens at once. Generally, any application can be presented as a web based
application, but in doing so, you have to cut down or water down its features so
that it fits inside the browser. This limits its functionality and its input/output
capabilities. From browsing the internet, you may already know that a typical browser
page has a limited data flow, such as not allowing you access to several functions,
or do multitasking by viewing multiple windows at one time. This is why ClaimTek
offers you the two best ways to run the software: either locally or via an ASP server
where the full functionality is at your finger tips.
Overall, the best way to decide on software is to take a look at the depth of its
functionality and features. As there are many different specialties with specific
needs, look for software with the best functionality not the concept of web-based
/ desktop or server-based. Test-drive every application yourself. Do not be sold
on convenience while the program itself is poor. For the future of your business,
look for versatility, ability to handle billing for all specialties, robust database
engine, strong reporting, multiple patient statements options,
multiple clearinghouse options, modernity, ease-of-use....etc.
Please refer to the table below for side-by-side comparison chart for all of the
three methods that applications can be accessed: (1) Local, (2)
Server-based ASP and (3) Web-based ASP. Also, refer to the analysis below
this table for more detailed information.
|
COMPARISON CHART
|
Local Application. (Installed on your Desktop/Laptop)
|
Remote Application Accessed via Direct Connection to an Application Service Provider
site (ASP)
|
Web-Based Application (Browser-Based ASP)
|
|
Who Offers?
|
|
|
Some of our competitors
|
|
Technology
|
Native – resides on your desktop
|
Native – resides remotely on a server and accessed via internet (all the benefits
of a desktop without installing it on your machine)
|
Based on HTTP / HTML displayed inside a web browser
|
|
User Experience
|
RICH
Running software on your desktop or laptop offers the highest quality user experience
and speed
|
RICH
Running software via an ASP connection simulates the complete user experience as
if you were running the software on your own machine. You can open multiple screens
and are not limited to a specific page flow.
|
POOR
You are limited to the quality of web browsers and web technology, so the application
is not as rich as a full software experience. For example, you are limited to viewing
one screen a time, you are tied to one-page-at-a-time flow, and you can lose transactions
if you mistakenly hit the back button or your computer locks up.
|
|
Accessibility
|
Local or Remote
Software is stored on your desktop or laptop. You usually work on it locally, but
you can also access it remotely using any desktop connection or communication software
such as GoToMyPC or PCAnywhere, etc.
|
Remotely via an Internet connection
You access the software via a direct Internet connection. Note that this is not
the same as accessing a web site.
|
Remotely via a specific website
Must be accessed through an Internet browser to a specific website.
|
|
Multi-tasking
|
YES
You have full control over application, allowing for unlimited multi-tasking (such
as opening more than one window at a time)
|
YES
You have full control over application, allowing for unlimited multi-tasking (such
as opening more than one window at a time)
|
NO
You do NOT have control over multi-tasking, so you can open only one screen at a
time.
|
|
Backup
|
YES
You back up your own data.
|
YES
Company backs up your data.
|
YES, BUT…
Company back ups your data.
Applications cannot be run locally.
|
|
Portability
|
YES
You can move your data to a new machine at any time.
|
YES
If you choose to run the application locally someday, you can move your data to
your local computer
|
NO
If someday you wish to move your business to your own computer, your data cannot
be easily converted to a local application. You'll have to buy a different software.
|
|
Customizability
|
YES
You can customize the application in many ways.
|
YES
You can customize the application in many ways.
|
DIFFICULT
You cannot easily customize the application.
|
|
Integration with other applications
|
YES
You can integrate MedOffice with many other applications such as QuickBooks.
|
YES
You can integrate MedOffice with many other applications such as QuickBooks.
|
NO
Web-based applications do not allow integration with other systems like QuickBooks
for accounting, Outlook for email or Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
|
|
Program Updates
|
YES
Updates downloaded to your computer
|
YES
Company performs updates
|
YES
Company performs updates
|
|
Clearinghouse
|
MANY
You can use multiple clearinghouses - Not tied down to only one source and obligatory
fees
|
MANY
Multiple Not tied down to only one source and obligatory fees
|
ONE
You usually have only one choice of clearinghouse. Must pay fees for transactions
as dictated by clearinghouse
|
|
Purchased & Maintenance Costs
|
One time cost Possible periodic costs for upgrades and support
|
Initial purchase plus Monthly cost includes upgrades and support fees
|
Initial purchase plus Monthly cost includes upgrades and support fees
|
Here are 10 points that explain why web-based ASP model accessed through a browser
may not be the best choice for your business.
1) Web-Based Applications Offer Limited User Interface (UI) and Screen Access:
In a busy billing service, it is essential for the user (you and future employees)
to be able to open several screens at once or “multi-task” (i.e. running reports
while posting payments, looking up a patient chart while working on another patient
or while entering claims. You could be working away entering new patients when you
receive a call from an insurance company in response to an inquiry you placed earlier.
You need the ability to jump to different screens at once to look up the information
without interrupting your existing work flow. Medical billers are used to fast keyboarding
and jumping between screens. This vital role of Windows applications is eliminated
in web-based systems. Web-based applications today restrict access to deeper parts
of their program. Desktop or server-based applications provide user-rich interface
that allows the user to access any part of the system simultaneously and quickly.
2) Web-Based Applications Lack Versatile Billing Functionalities:
As a professional medical billing service it is critical that your main medical
billing software is capable of handling the billing functions for all or most specialties
in a quick and efficient manner. The majority of internet-based medical billing
software systems handle the billing using only the main CMS-1500 insurance form.
It is vital to your success that your software is also capable of processing other
essential insurance forms like the CMS-1450 (also called Medicare “Part A” or UB-92
for hospital claims, and some uses for mental health, home health, and some types
of physical therapy...etc) - Also DME billing (Durable Medical Equipment) & Dental
billing is essential as well as a host of other specialties. This is important to
keep in mind when deciding on purchasing software . When you start your marketing
campaign you are not usually able to predict what specialty you may sign up first.
If your software is limited, this may make your company appear restricted in its
scope of services. To maximize your chances of success, you need to be able to offer
comprehensive services. For example, if you do not have a capable system and happen
to get a referral from an existing client for a specialty in need of such expanded
billing functionality you’ll have to turn away a potential client and miss out on
a new revenue opportunity. You’re in business to satisfy needs and make money! You
need to be ready to accept all clients.
3) Performance & Speed:
Web-based applications are impacted by several factors beyond your control that
can result in slow data entry or interruptions: Internet connection from your ISP
(Internet Service Provider, the hosting company ISP, or slow traffic on the internet…etc.
If the system goes down, you have no control except to sit and wait until the hosting
company addresses the issue. A great deal of your business reputation and success
lies in the hands of others.
4) Security:
While security on the web is becoming more enhanced, you still hear of serious security
breaches in major institutions including banks! Information on the web is still
not as secure as it needs to be. If you do not mind it yourself, you’ll find that
many of your potential doctor-clients would. Most healthcare providers are not yet
comfortable with their records online. Whatever system you wish to use, look for
HIPAA compliancy. Many web-based systems may not be fully compliant. Contact us
to learn how to inspect for HIPAA compliancy. Our MedOffice software is fully HIPAA
& NPI compliant.
5) Data Backups - No Peace of Mind!
With web-based applications you simply do not have control of your data. While the
hosting company may have backup measures in place, you cannot backup anytime you
want or have the data in your own local possession. If the company suddenly shuts
down, what would happen to your data? The best a company can do is to provide you
the data in raw format on CD (usually for a price). But what would you do with it?
How can you convert it into another system? This is an area of deep dark waters.
6) On-Going Fees & Restricted Options for Claims and Patient Statement Processing:
Web-based applications typically process claims and patient statements through their
own servers and charge you transaction fees. This is how the company mainly makes
its money. It is a good business model for the company but this factor restricts
your ability to choose a different clearinghouse if you do not like their service.
To our knowledge some competitors charge 75 cent per transaction! With ClaimTek’s
MedOffice® software you can submit your claims to any clearinghouse you wish. We
recommend several clearinghouses but you are not limited to them. One of the newer
clearinghouses that we just tested and approved is FREE of charges!
7) Additional Fees as You Expand Your Business:
With web-based applications, you'll incur additional costs as you add new clients
and create new accounts (databases) to your growing business. Our MedOffice® software
allows you to create multiple databases at no charge.
8) Limited Customizability:
Many necessary functions may not be accessible or customizable by the end-user in
web-based applications (i.e. custom patient statements, custom reports, data import
and export, data-transfer from one database to another or exporting reports in several
formats to PDF, Excel, Access, RTF...etc.). Our MedOffice® system gives you full
control!
9) Integration with Other Applications:
Web-based applications do not allow integration with other systems like QuickBooks
for accounting, Outlook for email or Electronic Medical Records (EMR) like MediNotes
or others. All of these enhanced functions are available in our MedOffice® software!
10) Web-Based Systems Do Not Offer Lucrative Software Resale Opportunity:
Selling software (like MedOffice®) to doctors who insist on handling their own billing
for the time being remains an important function of your practice management and
billing services. Why not satisfy all needs? While presenting your services, might
as well cover all angles! Remember that you are trying to build relationships with
healthcare providers. Selling software as an option helps you in that regard. This
way you maintain professional business relationships with your client. Besides being
a lucrative area, you may be able to convert such relationship down the road into
a billing client. Sooner or later healthcare providers suffer from instability in
the staffing area and may look to outsource. Typically, you’ll be the first to know
about it. Your startup medical billing business from home or small office will naturally
progress towards this stage (software sales & training) once you are established
and have gained good working knowledge of the system and the medical industry in
general. It is an option that's worth having. Web-based systems do not offer you
significant potential in this arena.
The idea promoted by internet-based companies that web-based applications save you
the cost of hardware upgrades and maintenance seem appealing to some. However, if
you study this area you'll realize that it is not as robust as it needs to be as
of yet. It is going to take many years. ClaimTek recognizes the potential power
of the web in general. However, we do not wish to promote applications based on
the convenience of part of its functionality. It is not in our clients’ best interest.
We do not recommend buying software based on “concept only”. Study its full potential
from features and capabilities to ease of navigation, flexibility, versatility…etc.
Ask for a real demo and work with it on your own for a few days then ask questions.
Medical billing requires sophisticated software capable of handling intricate details.
ClaimTek keeps up with the latest technologies and plans to offer a robust web-based
option only when it is up-to-standards. Another important point to consider is that
hardware today is highly reliable and not a major investment factor anymore. Great
computers today cost a few hundred dollars! Advanced desktop-based and Client/Server
applications like MedOffice® offer more technological solutions for professional
medical billing services. If you need the flexibility of remote access, it is easily
possible with MedOffice®. With a dedicated server, you could arrange remote access
for you and your doctor-clients from anywhere in the world similar to an ASP model
(web-based) while enjoying full program accessibility, versatility and control.
You can assign permissions for each user to access full or part of the program as
needed.
Overall, Internet-based applications are being pushed by competitors because they
provide more convenience to them in terms of support and upgrades. But how about
your comprehensive needs as a professional medical billing service? Web-based applications
work well for basic, watered-down functionality. But for the busy professional medical
billing service there are many issues to be aware of. Technology today is not there
yet.
In addition to the main billing software, study carefully each area or component
of the package you plan to buy. Analyze carefully all of the software systems included,
compare marketing items and discuss training and support in great details. Find
out how you’re going to learn about critical issues like pricing strategies and
presentation techniques for different specialties. Software alone is not enough
to start a business. You’ll need comprehensive and genuine training along with proven
professional marketing campaign and personal support.
We hope this explains the depth associated with buying medical billing software
for your business. Please give us a call to learn more! (800) 224-7450.