NOV 2011 - 5010 Ready
HorizonMIS™ developers worked tirelessly to update the system to meet 5010 requirements. As one of the first to do so we have completed testing and are currently submitting 5010 claims.
May 18, 2008 - Patent lawsuit dismissed...
"after conducting a demonstration over the Internet for BNP, BNP agreed that the HorizonMIS product did not infringe the BNP patent." See Story >>> 
2002
Horizon MIS™ Allows Remote Access Using Inexpensive Internet Connection
NC Billing Service Demonstrates Capability Also Useful for Medical Practices with Multiple Locations
HORIZON MIS™ is a powerful multi-user medical billing and practice management computer system that can be accessed remotely through the Internet.
The benefit? Horizon users can tie together locations that are physically separate without long distance charges, additional telephone lines, and extra equipment that are usually required for remote access of a system. As the result, staff members will find it easier to work from home. Also, remote offices or clients of Billing Services can inexpensively connect to the central office server.
Medical Business Office Consultants (MBOC), a billing service based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has used the internet capability successfully for about a year.
"In 1990, we started our first Billing Service in Florida, and in subsequent years opened additional offices in Georgia and North Carolina," said General Manager Samantha Waddell. "Our business philosophy has always been to split responsibilities with our physician office clients. For example, functions such as demographics, coding, questions about bills, etc. remain with the client. MBOC handles the time-consuming work of billing, collections, and management overview.
"Horizon has always given us this ability. In the past, by installing a computer terminal in the physician offices and using modems and regular telephone lines, all of our clients have had 'real time' access to our central billing computer for data input and inquiry. That means that if someone on either end changes a patient account, both we and the client instantly have the information. Sometimes it was expensive to install dedicated lines and pay long distance charges for continuous connection, but we did what was necessary to provide our clients the services they were promised."
According to Waddell, however, this last year has opened up new opportunities for the company. "Recently, we've connected our Horizon server and our clients' PCs through the Internet using ISDN or DSL lines. Since we don't have to pay for special telephone lines or long distance charges, our costs have dropped DRAMATICALLY. And because we no longer have geographical limitations, we've been able to close down a satellite office for even greater savings!"
Once connected, MBOC clients log in to their own databases and access any of the Horizon functions to which they're permitted. They can view account status, add or edit patients, post transactions, print reports, schedule appointments, or do whatever MBOC has allowed through their Horizon security system setup.
"One really neat feature," Waddell continued, "is our ability to 'peek' at other users accessing our system. 'Peeking' allows a system manager to view on their screen what others are seeing. We can see every keystroke they type. This is especially useful for trouble shooting or training. If a client has a 'how to' question, we can easily walk them through the process just as if we were sitting in the chair beside them."
Of course, with data this sensitive, security is of paramount importance. Horizon offers top-notch protection. First of all, the system requires multiple passwords, and (at the system manager's option) a specific IP address for access. "The sophisticated security system allows us to restrict access for each user password to specific data sets, to specific information and/or functions for each data set, and to specific times when access is allowed. Also, Horizon is virtually VIRUS-PROOF to those destructive internet bugs we hear so much about."
As if this weren't impressive enough, Horizon performs these tasks efficiently and with great speed. No special or expensive hardware is required. Horizon runs on a multi-user platform specifically designed for the Pentium PC and similar processors.
Waddell concludes, "We've been tremendously pleased, and would highly recommend Horizon to anyone! The internet connectivity is just icing on the cake."
2001
American Medical Systems Launches ASP for Physician Practices
Clients Access Medical Billing and Practice Management Software Via the Internet
American Medical Systems, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida (AMS) has recently entered the rapidly growing Application Service Provider (ASP) market. In this capacity, AMS will house its Horizon MIS™ medical billing and practice management software as well as the data for its ASP clients on host servers located in a secure Internet data center. Physician clients will access their data and run the program from their offices and homes via the Internet.
According to a company spokesperson, AMS believes this alternative distribution method sets the company far ahead of the competition. "Horizon is one of a very small handful of medical practice management systems which allows this capability. Practically none allow inexpensive real-time interactive access over the Internet as we do. Even fewer can match our sophisticated data security, features and -- most importantly -- SPEED. That's what makes this service practical."
Clients connect to the AMS host server via their Internet connection. From then on, operating the program is practically the same as if they purchased Horizon and installed it on their in-house server in the traditional fashion.
So why change to an ASP? AMS cites a number of benefits. Among them:
- No software to buy or upgrade.
- No expensive computer hardware to purchase, maintain or upgrade.
- No long-term commitments.
- One fixed monthly fee includes software rental, maintenance, customer support, and unlimited electronic claims.
- ASP staff maintains hardware, performs backups, and ensures that latest version software is always online.
- Enhanced service. Since AMS houses the data, any problem can be resolved very quickly.
- Interactive training. When a question is encountered, authorized AMS staff can view the user's screen and keystrokes and easily help.
AMS agrees that many established and larger physician practices will probably continue to follow the traditional route of purchasing a software license for in-house installation because this affords greater control and can result in cost savings over the long haul.
However, they say that for new offices, those with remote locations, and those who are growing or have uncertain future needs, the ASP offers an ideal alternative for getting a top-quality practice management system for a fixed monthly outlay.
Later, should an ASP client decide to bring Horizon in-house, AMS can easily transfer their data. All fees previously paid for setup and training will be credited to the purchase of the in-house system.
According to AMS, "It's the way of the future."