Internet
vs. Web-Based Systems:
Which is best for you?
When it comes to electronic claims submission, you have two choices: an Internet-based vs. a Web-based system. They both have advantages and disadvantages, so you should take time to carefully consider your business needs before making a decision.
Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding an Internet-based vs. Web-based system.
What
is the difference between Web-based and Internet-based software?
Web-based software runs over the
Internet using a Web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
You have to go to a Web site to actually use the program. When running
through a browser, there are a lot of graphics that must be transferred
across the Internet to your computer. This makes Web-based applications
slower, even if you have a fast Internet connection. Plus, you can't run
multiple tasks at once. For example, suppose you are in the middle of
entering a charge and you want to go and run a report or check an item
on another patient. You would have to finish the charge first, then go
check on the other patient.
ClaimGear, our Internet-based software, is a small client application that resides on your computer. You don't have to go to a Web site to use the program, you open it like you would Microsoft Windows or any other program. The Internet is only used to transfer small pieces of data between your computer and our Data Center. Because only data and not graphics are transferred, users can navigate the program faster and enter data more quickly. Plus, you can perform multiple tasks at once.
Why
should I use ClaimGear instead of a Web-based program?
ClaimGear gives you the best of both worlds!
You get the speed of a desktop application and the convience of having our Data Center handle all of the storage and transmission of your data. Our Data Center stores your data, performs tape backups, and handles all transmission to and from the claim clearinghouse. Why sacrifice your valuable time waiting for screens to load when you could be working?
Some
Web sites say their software is Internet-based, but they also say the
software runs through a browser. How is that possible?
Some companies believe the terms Internet-based
and Web-based mean the same thing. But they don't.
To find out if the software is Web-based or Internet-based, find out if the software runs through a browser. In other words, do you need to open an Internet browser and go to a Web site to use it? If it does run through a browser, then it is Web-based.
Isn't
Web-based software the future for applications?
Web-based applications are good for activities that
aren't time critical. These activities include checking stock quotes,
shopping, etc. But when you want to make the most out of your valuable
time, Internet-based applications are the way to go. They are much faster
to use.
In 10 years, when the Internet hardware and transmission devices are capable of very high speeds constantly, then Web-based applications will prevail. And of course, we will have a Web-based version of ClaimGear for you to use at that time.
Can
I run Internet-based applications anywhere?
As long as you install the ClaimGear client application
on your computer or laptop, you can run it anywhere you have any Internet
connection.
I'm
still not sure which type to use. Any last thoughts?
See which item below best describes how you want
to use your software:
1. I would rather spend a few minutes installing an Internet-based application on my computer and have a faster program, without delays while moving from screen to screen.
If this describes your preferences, then you would probably work better with an Internet-based system such as ClaimGear.
- OR -
2. I would rather use a slow application, that I don't have to install, that runs through a Web browser.
If this describes your preferences, then you would probably work better with a Web-based system.
