Practice management systems are complex by their very nature.  SoftAid understands this and has designed a step-by-step implementation process that identifies your specific requirements which are then used to develop an in-depth installation, testing and training program for your organization.  Our goal is to ensure that your software is properly configured on your computers, and that you and your employees are able to learn the many features available in the shortest period of time.

The following is a brief rundown of the implementation process for every new customer and product upgrade.  Since each new project is unique, the time it takes to fully implement the software can vary from as little as a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of your overall system and the availability of your organization's resources.  Whatever the case, SoftAid's team of professionals will work with you at your pace, and will do their part to help you reach your implementation deadlines.

2)  Commencement
Once you have have decided to purchase one of our practice management systems, SoftAid will assign you a Project Manager who will be your primary contact with our company.  The Project Manager will guide you through the entire implementation process and will continue to assist you with any questions after the go-live date.

3)  Software Delivery
SoftAid typically ships the software via overnight delivery within two days of your purchase.

4)  Installation
Your Project Manager will coordinate the installation of your software with one of our technical support professionals.  Installation is handled by remotely connecting one of our computers to yours so that a trained technician can properly install the software to meet your specific requirements as determined in the needs analysis.

5)  Training
Once your practice management system has been installed, your Project Manager will schedule you for software training.  Training can be performed online, on-site, or at SoftAid's corporate training facilities.  For an outline of our training sessions, click here.

6)  Data Conversion
Building your master data files is a significant part of the implementation process.  If you are changing over from another software or billing service you will need to decide whether to convert your existing information manually or have SoftAid perform a data conversion.  Since this should commence shortly after completing your order, you should consult your Project Manager to learn the pros and cons of each method of data conversion.  To learn more about SoftAid's data conversion, click here.

7)  EDI Set-Up and Testing
Setting up your electronic data interchange (EDI) to process your electronic transactions often takes the longest time from start to finish.  This is primarily because of the submit enrollment forms that you will be required to file (for example, a Change of Vendor form needs to be submitted to the carriers with whom you would be transacting).  The process itself is fairly simple and your Project Manager will help you through it.  However, you can expect some downtime between the day you submitted the forms and when the carriers contact you for testing and registration.  For this reason, SoftAid highly recommends that you begin submitting these forms as soon as possible.  While these forms are a requirement of the carriers and are out of our control, SoftAid will gather and provide you with the necessary forms as part of your purchase, whenever possible.

8)  Custom Programming
If you have requested custom programming, that work is typically started shortly after step 2 (Commencement).  Our programmers are certified in several software packages and are capable of rapidly developing customized features.  Your Project Manager will update you on the progress of your custom programming and will provide you with estimated dates of completion and delivery.  Depending on the scope and importance of the work, it may be delivered prior to or shortly after the go-live date.  To learn more about SoftAid's Custom Programming options, click here.

9)  System Testing
From the moment your system is installed it is being tested.  Whenever you or an employee trains on the system or practices their tasks, the software is in test mode.  Prior to the go-live date each aspect of the system should be thoroughly tested, including patient registration, scheduling, encounter capture, billing (both print and electronic), posting payments and reports.

10)  Go-Live
Once your users and management are ready, it is time to go live.  You may already have most of your patients information and other data loaded into the system.  You can now begin posting charges and billing through your software.  If you are still running an old system, you will continue to post payments received to that system, but not bill new business from it.  Your Project Manager and other team members from SoftAid are available at this critical time, and may even be on-site, depending on the scope of the arrangement established as part of your original order.

11)  Post Go-Live
At this point your organization moves into a support mode, where your calls are routed either to our Technical Support desk or our Training Help Desk, depending on the nature of the call.  SoftAid often includes follow-up training and other consultative support to ensure you experience optimal use from your software.