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Wednesday 22 August 2012
Friday 18 May 2012
Getting paid on time - the real secret to wealth management
Managing your money is crucial, but making sure you are paid on time and in full is even more important. There are two ways of doing this; the first is to muddle through with a series of reminders to call aging debtors and a disorganised ‘Post-Its’ based series of checklists. The second is to get serious about the process and invest in private practice management software.
‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager from PPM Software provides a complete solution for the administration and financial control of a private practice. It offers immediate access to the practice’s aged-debtors position and meets the specification required for sending claims via the Internet (EDI). Moreover, the system can significantly reduce the time it takes to produce invoices, statements and reminders.
‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager can also include hosting, allowing you to access your data from anywhere with an Internet connection. It also provides communications via SMS and encrypted e-mail, increasing patient attendance and providing completely secure communication.
“The bottom line is always the most important thing for me; better software will help you make more money by increasing the percentage of fees that actually get paid and reducing the frequency of unreasonably aged debts,” explained Tom Hunt, managing director of PPM Software.
Tony Bernstein, the practice manager at The 78 Harley Street Clinic in London is a fan of the software; ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager is incredibly easy and it evolves all the time, to cope with changes in practice, technology and insurance requirements. It is basically as good as it gets in terms of private practice administrative activities. I recommend it wholeheartedly and wouldn’t want to work with anything else.”
To obtain a free demonstration of ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager simply contact Tom Hunt on 01992 655 940 or e-mail tomhunt@ppmsoftware.com.
Subscribe to receive our Blog via e-mail
‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager from PPM Software provides a complete solution for the administration and financial control of a private practice. It offers immediate access to the practice’s aged-debtors position and meets the specification required for sending claims via the Internet (EDI). Moreover, the system can significantly reduce the time it takes to produce invoices, statements and reminders.
‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager can also include hosting, allowing you to access your data from anywhere with an Internet connection. It also provides communications via SMS and encrypted e-mail, increasing patient attendance and providing completely secure communication.
“The bottom line is always the most important thing for me; better software will help you make more money by increasing the percentage of fees that actually get paid and reducing the frequency of unreasonably aged debts,” explained Tom Hunt, managing director of PPM Software.
Tony Bernstein, the practice manager at The 78 Harley Street Clinic in London is a fan of the software; ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager is incredibly easy and it evolves all the time, to cope with changes in practice, technology and insurance requirements. It is basically as good as it gets in terms of private practice administrative activities. I recommend it wholeheartedly and wouldn’t want to work with anything else.”
To obtain a free demonstration of ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager simply contact Tom Hunt on 01992 655 940 or e-mail tomhunt@ppmsoftware.com.
Tuesday 10 April 2012
Paper-to-digital archiving solution available for private medical practices
~ PPM Software adds paper document digitalisation to its private medical practice management offering in collaboration with TMT ~
PPM Software, developers of the private medical practice management software suite ‘PPM’ – Private Practice Manager, has added a paper to digital archiving solution to its service offering. PPM Software is collaborating with Transmedia Technology to provide document conversion, imaging, scanning and archiving services for both new and existing customers.
PPM Software's paper to digital archiving is a full on-site, all format document scanning and project management service. It produces high quality, accurate scans from any document using the latest optical character recognition and intelligent character recognition technology, our scanners. The company can also provide a range of document management services, including microfiche, microfilm and document scanning, file collation and organisation, indexing, bar-coding and in-house archiving.
Security, privacy and accurate medical history and record keeping are critical to instilling customer confidence and maintaining a successful practice. This is particularly true in private medical practices which handle sensitive patient information on a daily basis. Storing documents in a digital format can help alleviate the problems of lost or leaked data, mislaid patient records and slow or inaccurate invoicing.
“Our customers understand that efficient information management is a huge benefit to both their practices and their patients,” Tom Hunt, managing director of PPM Software explained. “So we think it’s logical that we offer document conversion alongside our database management software.
“It’s now more than ten years since the medical industry started talking about the paper-less office and most private practices are still very dependent on manual filing systems. But paper isn’t a very efficient, financially robust or even environmentally friendly way of storing information. Our archiving services means that patient records, photos, financial records and any other paper based documents can easily be converted to digital format and then incorporated into PPM – Private Practice Manager. Once this is done, everyone knows where the information is, a doctor can have immediate access to a patient’s history and their privacy is one step closer to being assured.”
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PPM Software, developers of the private medical practice management software suite ‘PPM’ – Private Practice Manager, has added a paper to digital archiving solution to its service offering. PPM Software is collaborating with Transmedia Technology to provide document conversion, imaging, scanning and archiving services for both new and existing customers.
PPM Software's paper to digital archiving is a full on-site, all format document scanning and project management service. It produces high quality, accurate scans from any document using the latest optical character recognition and intelligent character recognition technology, our scanners. The company can also provide a range of document management services, including microfiche, microfilm and document scanning, file collation and organisation, indexing, bar-coding and in-house archiving.
Security, privacy and accurate medical history and record keeping are critical to instilling customer confidence and maintaining a successful practice. This is particularly true in private medical practices which handle sensitive patient information on a daily basis. Storing documents in a digital format can help alleviate the problems of lost or leaked data, mislaid patient records and slow or inaccurate invoicing.
“Our customers understand that efficient information management is a huge benefit to both their practices and their patients,” Tom Hunt, managing director of PPM Software explained. “So we think it’s logical that we offer document conversion alongside our database management software.
“It’s now more than ten years since the medical industry started talking about the paper-less office and most private practices are still very dependent on manual filing systems. But paper isn’t a very efficient, financially robust or even environmentally friendly way of storing information. Our archiving services means that patient records, photos, financial records and any other paper based documents can easily be converted to digital format and then incorporated into PPM – Private Practice Manager. Once this is done, everyone knows where the information is, a doctor can have immediate access to a patient’s history and their privacy is one step closer to being assured.”
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Tuesday 13 March 2012
Secure e-mail set to safeguard private medical practices from fines and GMC censure
PPM Software, the company behind leading private practice management software product ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager, has launched an innovative secure e-mail product. The new service, called SSLPost, will protect medical practitioners and their administrators who are currently at risk of heavy fines and General Medical Council censure if they fail to safeguard patient data when sending e-mails.
SSLPost is a low cost secure email product that is simple to set up and use. It comes with an easy installation guide that allows the sender to begin encrypting emails within two hours of purchasing the software. It also features an Outlook Plug-in, allowing Microsoft Office users to encrypt messages directly from their regular e-mail client. The user simply chooses which emails and attachments he or she wants to send, selects the SSLPost secure button in Outlook and hits send.
Under normal circumstances, information contained in emails can be intercepted and read, deleted or altered before it reaches the intended destination. However, SSLPost's encryption service now ensures complete confidentiality by encrypting all messages and attachments using high grade encryption algorithms.
The product is as easy for the recipient as it is for the sender. The first time the sender dispatches an email to someone it triggers a welcome message that invites the recipient to set up a password and create a free account. Once this is done all future secure e-mails simply require the recipient to click on the attachment and use their password to open the content.
“There is no doubt that email is a quick, efficient and low cost means of keeping in touch with patents, colleagues and partners,” explained Tom Hunt, managing director of PPM Software. “However, now is the time to ensure that you have an effective method of encrypting the e-mails that contain sensitive patient or practice information,” he concluded.
Customers of PPM Software, who already use the company’s ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager suite will receive their first licence of SSLPost free if they sign up before November 30 2011.
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SSLPost is a low cost secure email product that is simple to set up and use. It comes with an easy installation guide that allows the sender to begin encrypting emails within two hours of purchasing the software. It also features an Outlook Plug-in, allowing Microsoft Office users to encrypt messages directly from their regular e-mail client. The user simply chooses which emails and attachments he or she wants to send, selects the SSLPost secure button in Outlook and hits send.
Under normal circumstances, information contained in emails can be intercepted and read, deleted or altered before it reaches the intended destination. However, SSLPost's encryption service now ensures complete confidentiality by encrypting all messages and attachments using high grade encryption algorithms.
The product is as easy for the recipient as it is for the sender. The first time the sender dispatches an email to someone it triggers a welcome message that invites the recipient to set up a password and create a free account. Once this is done all future secure e-mails simply require the recipient to click on the attachment and use their password to open the content.
“There is no doubt that email is a quick, efficient and low cost means of keeping in touch with patents, colleagues and partners,” explained Tom Hunt, managing director of PPM Software. “However, now is the time to ensure that you have an effective method of encrypting the e-mails that contain sensitive patient or practice information,” he concluded.
Customers of PPM Software, who already use the company’s ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager suite will receive their first licence of SSLPost free if they sign up before November 30 2011.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
About ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager
PPM Software designs, develops and distributes ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager, software which provides a complete solution for the administration and financial control of a private medical practice. The business was founded in 1992, when the first ever DOS version of ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager was developed and the inaugural copy was installed in March 1994. There are now well over 1800 licences in use across the UK and clients include the Spire (previously BUPA) hospitals, BMI and the Nuffield Group, as well as countless individual practices. Read some testimoials from satisfied customers here.
Why choose 'PPM' - Private Practice Manager?
The main benefit of ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager is that it is a fully integrated system which saves a great deal of administration time. You will also benefit because financial controls will improve cash flow and reduce debts. Listed below are the main features.
* The speed of being able to produce invoices, statements and reminders.
* Full integration with Word, only the body of the letter/report needs to be typed.
* Single keying of any item of data.
* All financial information is instantly to hand.
* Immediate access to Aged Debtors position.
* Production of year-end financial reports for presentation to the practice accountant.
* Meets the specification required for sending claims via the Internet (EDI).
* Has an integrated Diary/Scheduler.
* Has the facility to scan in documents, digital photographs etc.
For further information contact:
Tom Hunt, PPM Software, The Business Centre, 100 Honey lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 3BG
Telephone: +44 (0) 1992 655940
www: www.ppmsoftware.com
e-mail: info@ppmsoftware.com
Blog: www.ppmsoftware-pr.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PPMsoftware
Subscribe to receive our Blog via e-mail
Why choose 'PPM' - Private Practice Manager?
The main benefit of ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager is that it is a fully integrated system which saves a great deal of administration time. You will also benefit because financial controls will improve cash flow and reduce debts. Listed below are the main features.
* The speed of being able to produce invoices, statements and reminders.
* Full integration with Word, only the body of the letter/report needs to be typed.
* Single keying of any item of data.
* All financial information is instantly to hand.
* Immediate access to Aged Debtors position.
* Production of year-end financial reports for presentation to the practice accountant.
* Meets the specification required for sending claims via the Internet (EDI).
* Has an integrated Diary/Scheduler.
* Has the facility to scan in documents, digital photographs etc.
For further information contact:
Tom Hunt, PPM Software, The Business Centre, 100 Honey lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 3BG
Telephone: +44 (0) 1992 655940
www: www.ppmsoftware.com
e-mail: info@ppmsoftware.com
Blog: www.ppmsoftware-pr.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PPMsoftware
Subscribe to receive our Blog via e-mail
Friday 27 January 2012
Marketing private medical services – read all about on LiveseySolar’s Blog
We’ve just written a great new post for the LiveseySolar Blog, to help you learn about marketing your private practice. It’s well worth a read, if you have a quiet moment and you can find it here.
As well as offering financial and administration support for private practices, ‘PPM’ – Private Practice Manager acts as a customer relationship management (CRM) system. In our post on the LiveseySolar blog we explain how you can apply our technology to your practice to manage communications with you patients.
Our easily manageable software allows you to keep in contact with patients and announce your latest news or achievements. It helps improve the practice’s reputation and visibility and can also assist with patient care by making sure appointments are kept and communication channels remain open.
If you are interested in finding out more about the software and how it can increase the visibility of your practice, have a look at our guest post on LiveseySolar’s Blog.
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Thursday 8 December 2011
Don’t make the same mistake as the NHS!
As you may have read in the mainstream media, the NHS has spent billions of pounds trying to develop a centralised computer system; a campaign which is still underway. However, for a private practice the process should be much simpler and far less expensive. Here Tom Hunt, managing director of PPM Software, the provider of the software suite ‘PPM’ - Private Practice Manager, presents his step by step guide to embarking on this journey.
Although an individual private practice operates on a much smaller scale than the NHS, you still don’t want to waste a single penny investing in the wrong computer and associated applications.
The first step is to establish what level of computerisation you need. In order to do this, you should answer the following questions:
What do you want to do with the computer? Is it just for Microsoft Office? Do you want to implement a Practice Management System? Do you want to store images? Do you want to run other applications and if so which ones? Do you need a high resolution display? Do you want the ability to expand in the future?
You then have to ask the following:
Do you require more than one person to work simultaneously? Is a peer to peer network sufficient or do I need a server? (A peer to peer network just means you connect two or more PCs together without a server.)
Next - How much printing is required? Do you want to be able to scan in documents? Do you need to send faxes?
With regard to these needs, a key question is, ‘how much physical space do you have at your rooms?’ If space is limited, it may be better to buy an ‘all in one’ machine that does all of the above without the need for any peripherals.
Next you should ask, ‘do I, my colleagues (if applicable) and my secretary require access to the computer from a remote location, such as home, hospital or other location via the internet?’
If the answer is yes, can you connect to the internet at all of these locations and is the speed adequate?
When all of these questions are answered you are in a position to decide exactly what you need to implement to meet your needs now and in the future.
Some theoretical examples
A single consultant with simple needs: All that is required is a basic PC with whatever applications are required.
Multiple consultants with one secretary and simple needs: As above, a simple low cost system would be sufficient.
Single or multiple consultants with two secretaries and no remote access needs: A peer to peer network would be required, with as many PCs as are needed, probably one for each consultant and one for each secretary.
Single or multiple consultants with two or more secretaries and remote access needs: from at least three locations by at least three people simultaneously: Install a server connected to two or more PCs.
The above are just three of the possible permutations but they do act as a good basic guide to what may be required.
However, if you don’t want the expense of purchasing, setting up and maintaining the server and ensuring the security of your data then there are companies who will host your applications on their servers.
In any event, you should engage the services of someone you trust to discuss your needs and provide an objective opinion.
When it comes to the actual purchase, whoever you choose must be able to support your system. If you buy via mail order or the Internet, then take out a next day service contract to meet this need.
Some example IT support models
Single PC running Microsoft Office only: As PCs are very reliable these days you may well get away with using a local company on an ad-hoc basis.
Single PC running Microsoft Office and Practice Management Software: The provider of the practice management software will provide the support for their own system and hardware support can be procured on an ad-hoc basis.
Peer to Peer Networks or server: You should source the hardware and necessary software from a local supplier who can provide a next day, on site ‘fix’ for any IT problems you encounter. You are running a business and can’t afford for the system to be down for more than a few hours.
If you have Practice Management Software you need to ensure that the provider can work smoothly with your IT consultant in the event of a problem. You must not get into the situation where the hardware supplier says it is the Practice Management Software and vice-versa.
You should also bear in mind that a PC is now considered a commodity item that is replaced regularly.
Two final tips
Tip one: Never upgrade a Microsoft product for at least nine months after the upgrade is released. This will coincide with the second service release which should have fixed most of the bugs!
Tip two: If you are buying a new PC just after the launch of a new Microsoft product it may come pre-installed so you will be stuck with it. In this event, ensure you regularly check for updates and when available download them.
I believe that if you stick to these simple steps you can avoid the problems the NHS have encountered. However, if you have any questions, please call me on 01992 655940. Furthermore, readers of Independent Practitioner Today can obtain a free trial of ‘PPM’ – Private Practice Manager by quoting ‘IPT Offer’ when you call.
Subscribe to receive our Blog via e-mail
Although an individual private practice operates on a much smaller scale than the NHS, you still don’t want to waste a single penny investing in the wrong computer and associated applications.
The first step is to establish what level of computerisation you need. In order to do this, you should answer the following questions:
What do you want to do with the computer? Is it just for Microsoft Office? Do you want to implement a Practice Management System? Do you want to store images? Do you want to run other applications and if so which ones? Do you need a high resolution display? Do you want the ability to expand in the future?
You then have to ask the following:
Do you require more than one person to work simultaneously? Is a peer to peer network sufficient or do I need a server? (A peer to peer network just means you connect two or more PCs together without a server.)
Next - How much printing is required? Do you want to be able to scan in documents? Do you need to send faxes?
With regard to these needs, a key question is, ‘how much physical space do you have at your rooms?’ If space is limited, it may be better to buy an ‘all in one’ machine that does all of the above without the need for any peripherals.
Next you should ask, ‘do I, my colleagues (if applicable) and my secretary require access to the computer from a remote location, such as home, hospital or other location via the internet?’
If the answer is yes, can you connect to the internet at all of these locations and is the speed adequate?
When all of these questions are answered you are in a position to decide exactly what you need to implement to meet your needs now and in the future.
Some theoretical examples
A single consultant with simple needs: All that is required is a basic PC with whatever applications are required.
Multiple consultants with one secretary and simple needs: As above, a simple low cost system would be sufficient.
Single or multiple consultants with two secretaries and no remote access needs: A peer to peer network would be required, with as many PCs as are needed, probably one for each consultant and one for each secretary.
Single or multiple consultants with two or more secretaries and remote access needs: from at least three locations by at least three people simultaneously: Install a server connected to two or more PCs.
The above are just three of the possible permutations but they do act as a good basic guide to what may be required.
However, if you don’t want the expense of purchasing, setting up and maintaining the server and ensuring the security of your data then there are companies who will host your applications on their servers.
In any event, you should engage the services of someone you trust to discuss your needs and provide an objective opinion.
When it comes to the actual purchase, whoever you choose must be able to support your system. If you buy via mail order or the Internet, then take out a next day service contract to meet this need.
Some example IT support models
Single PC running Microsoft Office only: As PCs are very reliable these days you may well get away with using a local company on an ad-hoc basis.
Single PC running Microsoft Office and Practice Management Software: The provider of the practice management software will provide the support for their own system and hardware support can be procured on an ad-hoc basis.
Peer to Peer Networks or server: You should source the hardware and necessary software from a local supplier who can provide a next day, on site ‘fix’ for any IT problems you encounter. You are running a business and can’t afford for the system to be down for more than a few hours.
If you have Practice Management Software you need to ensure that the provider can work smoothly with your IT consultant in the event of a problem. You must not get into the situation where the hardware supplier says it is the Practice Management Software and vice-versa.
You should also bear in mind that a PC is now considered a commodity item that is replaced regularly.
Two final tips
Tip one: Never upgrade a Microsoft product for at least nine months after the upgrade is released. This will coincide with the second service release which should have fixed most of the bugs!
Tip two: If you are buying a new PC just after the launch of a new Microsoft product it may come pre-installed so you will be stuck with it. In this event, ensure you regularly check for updates and when available download them.
I believe that if you stick to these simple steps you can avoid the problems the NHS have encountered. However, if you have any questions, please call me on 01992 655940. Furthermore, readers of Independent Practitioner Today can obtain a free trial of ‘PPM’ – Private Practice Manager by quoting ‘IPT Offer’ when you call.
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