News
American Specialty Health Networks Expands Value-Added Program for Providers
SAN DIEGO, CA (July 29, 2004) – American Specialty Health Networks (ASH Networks), the nation's largest complementary health care network, is pleased to announce the addition of two new vendors to its popular value-added program for participating providers: ECLIPSE® Practice Management Software and ApexEDI electronic claims connectivity. Introduced in April 2004, the ASH Networks' value-added program gives contracted providers discounts off professional malpractice insurance and other products and services.
"Our goal is to take a more active role in helping our providers lower costs and overhead," said George DeVries, president and chief executive officer of ASH Networks. "We're able to do this by creating alliances with companies that directly impact our providers' daily business practices."
Offered through GalacTeksm, a division of HNA Computer Systems, Inc., ECLIPSE® is a complete practice management system that provides patient and third-party billing, HIPAA-compliant electronic claims and remittance, scheduling, daily notes, document imaging and management, integrated PDA applications, robust security features, and a myriad of reports to increase office productivity.
ASH Networks providers who purchase an ECLIPSE® software package will receive an additional six months of software maintenance support at no charge.
"From a client's first inquiry through implementation and post-sales support, our entire team of sales, training, and help desk specialists is available every step of the way," according to Ryan Weaver, vice president of sales for GalacTeksm.
In addition to ECLIPSE®, ASH Networks is pleased to introduce ApexEDI–a state-of-the-art clearinghouse for providers to submit claims electronically. Both of these newly added vendors complement each other in providing efficiency and compatibility with billing claims to multiple carriers throughout the industry.
"ApexEDI is excited to work with ASH Networks and offer its providers the absolute best electronic claims connectivity possible," said Christopher Yadon, general manager for ApexEDI. "With an extensive medical, dental, and chiropractic network, ApexEDI is a one-stop-shop for payers. In addition to connectivity with ASH Networks, ApexEDI has forged links with over 1,000 commercial and government payers."
ApexEDI is offering ASH Networks' providers a 20 percent discount off the initial setup fee and a flat rate of $59 a month per provider for unlimited electronic claims. "Our priority is to save ASH providers' time, money, and hassle. The competitive flat rate allows providers to send unlimited electronic claims for one flat amount. All claims are sent in less than two minutes per day, saving providers both time and money," said Yadon.
The discounts are only available to ASH providers by accessing www.ashproviders.com and entering the password-protected ASHLink portal.
ASH Networks is a subsidiary of American Specialty Health, Incorporated (ASH). Through its subsidiaries, ASH provides complementary health care benefits, affinity networks, and health education programs nationwide to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds. ASH Networks' affiliate American Specialty Health Plans of California, Inc. operates in California and is the nation's first and largest health plan for chiropractic and acupuncture benefits. Another affiliate, American Specialty Health Insurance Company, is an insurance company admitted in 42 states and the District of Columbia.
ASH Networks has been awarded full accreditation by URAC for its chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, dietetics, and naturopathy programs. Recently it received accreditation in the following areas: claims processing, health Web site, HIPAA privacy, and HIPAA security. Based in San Diego with more than 500 employees, ASH and its