What is ASP/ Shared Service?
"ASP" is the acronym for "Application Service Provider." (You may be familiar with the term "ISP" or internet service provider). As an ASP, MMRI allows clients to access our practice management system to do their billing with their own staff. This model - the client accessing our system with their own staff - is called "Shared Service". Shared Service is an alternative for a practice which does not want to purchase and operate its own practice management system, and does not want to hire a full service billing company.
How is it different than full service billing?
With Shared Service, the client maintains daily control of their in-house billing operation. The client's own staff perform the billing, using our practice management system. The client's own staff enter charges, post payments, perform follow up, and so on. The client pays MMRI an ongoing monthly fee for access to the practice management system.
What are MMRI's fees?
The Shared Service field is highly competitive, and for that reason we choose not to publish our fees here. However, we bill for Shared Service on a per-encounter/per-statement basis. There are per-user licensing fees and reasonable one time training fees when you first start as a Shared Service client. We would be happy to meet with you to learn about your needs and provide you with a firm quote for Shared Service.
How does the cost compare with full service billing?
The cost for Shared Service can be much lower than for full service billing. This is because, with Shared Service, you continue to bear the costs of your own billing staff, equipment, overhead and so on.
How does the cost compare with buying and running my own practice management system?
This is a difficult question to answer, since the cost of buying and maintaining your own system depends on many variables. However, many groups feel that the benefits of Shared Service outweigh the potential savings of 'doing it yourself'. These benefits include: no large up front cost, no system maintenance required by your staff, and regular system updates.
How do I access MMRI's system from my location?
Clients access the system either via the internet (cable or dial-up connection), or via a frame relay network using telecommunication lines, at their option.
Do I need special equipment to access MMRI's system?
Clients access our practice management system using PCs, which must simply be capable of running a current version of Internet Explorer.
Can MMRI provide any hardware I need?
Yes. If a Shared Service client needs to add or upgrade PCs we can provide them at a discounted price through our vendor, or the client is free to purchase any needed hardware on their own, at their option.
Will MMRI help me set up any new equipment?
Yes. Either MMRI or our vendor will assist you in setting up any new computers or other hardware.
Can I finance my Shared Services costs with MMRI?
From time to time a customer has a need to finance the upfront costs of Shared Service (new computers, printers, training costs, etc). We are happy to consider financing on a case-by-case basis.
What system will I be accessing as an ASP client?
Our practice management system is an IDX brand Groupcast.
Will MMRI assist me with startup and training of my staff?
Absolutely. Included in our Shared Service prices are set-up, training, and ongoing customer support. For more information on our Shared Service, please see our ASP Shared Service page or contact us.
What kind of customer support will I get?
Included in our Shared Service fees is ongoing customer support to ensure that your staff can use our practice management system optimally. Our customer support staff is available during business hours on business days to answer your questions concerning the system. Additional training sessions after the start up phase are also available, if needed.
Is it possible to purchase Shared Services, then also hire MMRI to help with some aspects of our billing?
Yes. We work with clients on a case-by-case basis to construct "hybrid" solutions when needed. For example, a client might want to use Shared Service and keep its billing staff, but then hire MMRI to help with claim follow up or patient statements. We would be happy to discuss such a customized arrangement with you.
How do I know my data is secure on MMRI's system?
Every Shared Service customer has its own secure database within our practice management system; data is never mingled between customers. Our client's databases are accessible only by the customer, or with the customer's permission. MMRI is committed to compliance with the HIPAA privacy and data security regulations and will ensure that its system meets all necessary requirements. If you have questions regarding our system security, we would be happy to answer those for you. Please contact us to schedule a meeting!
How do I know MMRI's system will work for my practice?
The best guarantee we can give you is the fact that we use this very same system to service our own full service clients. MMRI is therefore not only the administrator of our Groupcast practice management system, but also its largest single user! We have found the Groupcast to be reliable and flexible, able to serve large and small clients equally well. Groupcast is powerful, sophisticated, and backed by IDX's reputation for quality and reliability.
What happens in the event of a disaster, or if the system goes down?
We have a detailed backup storage system for compiling and storing daily backup tapes in a secure off site location, so that if disaster struck, we could reconstruct all client data.
For more information, please contact our sales department at Sales@mmri-ny.com
