GE Centricity PM FAQs

Questions commonly asked on Centricity PM.

How easily can I adapt Centricity PM to my practice?
Regardless of your practice size, organizational structure or specialty, Centricity PM will work for you. Most other practice management programs force you to run your practice their way. But Centricity PM fits you, not the other way around. Our highly flexible practice management/SQL Server database architecture was specifically designed to accommodate all practices. Its compatibility with thousands of other Windows applications means you can better use your data.
When I hear Unix and DOS-based practice management systems being referred to as "Windows dressing" or "Windows look-alike," what does that mean?
Pure Windows®-based software offers huge advantages over older Unix and DOS-based systems in terms of ease of use, computing power, flexibility and cost effectiveness. Because of this, the older software manufacturers came up with "new" product add-ons that look like Windows, yet are still based on yesterday's Unix and DOS platforms. They simply overlaid Windows like graphics onto their outdated technologies. Centricity PM is completely different because it is a 100% Microsoft solution, designed from the ground up with the latest, exclusive Microsoft technology. The result is a system that is faster, more flexible and easier to use.
What are the benefits of Centricity PM being "Designed for Microsoft XP?
"XP" is the name for Microsoft's latest server technology, which features a Windows-based operating system. Any product that displays the "Designed for Microsoft XP" logo, such as Centricity PM, has been thoroughly tested by Microsoft in the Microsoft BackOffice computing environment to offer enhanced quality, features, ease of use and consistency to your practice. Professional IT (Information Technology) managers prefer Microsoft compatibility to ensure their software is up to date with the latest technological advances. Our practice management solutions have been Microsoft certified since 1995.
How does Centricity PM perform beyond other practice management software?
Unlike traditional practice management software and billing systems on the market today, Centricity PM provides a comprehensive solution to your healthcare computing needs - from billing and scheduling to patient information, inventory control, scanning, EDI (electronic submission, remittance, statements and eligibility) and managed care. And because GE is an official Microsoft Certified Partner, and Centricity PM is a leader for Windows-based practice management software, we work directly with Microsoft’s Healthcare division to take full advantage of the latest software innovations for healthcare. Offices using our software are seeing accelerated cash flows, increased revenues, reduced expenses and better morale within their office staff.
What about training? Is Centricity PM easy to learn?
Offices that use our software report an increase in morale and productivity soon after the product is installed. That's because it empowers your staff to accomplish multiple tasks quickly and easily. Your staff will enjoy a positive learning experience thanks to its intuitive design, multitasking capabilities, friendly graphical-user interface, and short learning curve. New users are up and running in days, not months. And, our knowledgeable team of professionals has the experience to fully understand the needs, expectations and technical strengths of our clients. We are committed to providing top quality, hands-on training that is customized for each practice. In addition to personal training, our computer-based training (CBT) modules and online context-sensitive help make it easy for your staff to learn. These CBT modules are interactive, in-depth and easily accessible within Centricity PM. Online help, available from any screen or menu, gives you screen-specific documentation at the touch of a key.
After installing Centricity PM, what kind of support can I expect?
When you have a question or problem, you want it answered quickly and accurately. We offer a wide variety of support options that are available over the phone or the Internet. The fastest way to get answers is with our online Knowledge Base, which addresses commonly asked questions and problems 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also offer a variety of different support packages, so you can choose the one that best suits the needs of your practice. To ensure that you benefit from the latest technology, we offer a maintenance program that provides regular updates to Centricity PM. These updates will help you comply with the latest regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA.
Almost no other industry changes as fast as the healthcare industry - especially with upcoming HIPAA regulations. How can I be assured that Centricity PM will keep me current?
With today's focus on managed care, capitation and fee-for-service, healthcare information systems are constantly changing. The older practice management software solutions were initially designed simply to print a HCFA form in the fee-for-service model. Then, these systems were patched to keep pace with your office. In contrast, Centricity PM is a state-of-the-art solution: its inherent Windows-based flexibility allows it to easily adapt to the dynamic challenges of the healthcare industry.

At GE, we are fully involved in the HIPAA process. We have developed and tested electronic claim and remittance formats according to HIPAA requirements for electronic transactions. And, as new regulations come out, we will be ready and so will you. Because Centricity PM runs on Windows-compatible hardware - from a single PC to multiprocessor systems - you can add hardware in affordable increments as your practice grows. Having an integrated system based on Windows protects your long-term investment. Finally, because our software is compatible with many other Windows applications, your healthcare data becomes valuable information. You will no longer be limited by complex Unix variants, DOS operating systems, or other limited and hard-to-use proprietary practice management software. You won't be limited to what a single vendor can provide, but empowered to take full advantage of many value-added applications being developed by a multitude of vendors.
How does Centricity PM convert my data into strategic information?
Centricity PM provides extensive reporting capabilities. Furthermore, because off-the-shelf products like Microsoft Excel^® and Access^® can directly access your data, you have a world of information at your fingertips. Our open database unlocks information that was previously held hostage by old-style practice management systems. With Centricity PM, you own the data and can use it to manage your business more effectively.
How can Centricity PM help my practice participate in managed care?
Centricity PM is flexible enough to handle billing for any type of managed care contract. It handles unlimited managed care fee schedules, payer analysis, physician productivity and reimbursement analysis of procedures. A simple inquiry enables you to compare reimbursements by code and procedure for all payers, which makes collections easier and helps you manage cash flow. Many clients report that the information they obtain from our system helps them negotiate better contracts for their practices.
Will my investment in Centricity PM be protected when my practice is ready for an Electronic Medical Record system?
Yes. Our sister product, Centricity Physician Office - Electronic Medical Record (EMR), formerly Logician^®, is the industry's leading EMR solution for efficient, high-quality ambulatory care. Your ability to meet the demands to improve quality, lower costs, enhance profits and tighten security requires a transition from paper-based records to electronic information. Centricity Physician Office - EMR solves clinicians' needs, while facilitating the pursuit of quality, business performance, integration and security. In addition, because Centricity PM utilizes MS-HUG's (Microsoft Healthcare Users Group) industry standard ActiveX for Healthcare, based on HL7, your practice will be able to choose the EMR system that best meets your requirements. The HL7 data standard allows our software to exchange data with any Windows-based EMR system. Centricity PM is already being used with dozens of today's leading EMR systems (see www.gemedical.com for the most recent list). In addition, our industry-standard interface engine provides links to many other medical applications, including new hand-held and tablet computer products.
Can Centricity PM run on the Internet?
In keeping with our ongoing commitment to improve physician office productivity, you can run Centricity PM software using the two most popular access models: client/server or Web-hosted processing. Either way, you get the same fully-functional, award-winning practice management solution with the assurance that your data is secure.
How do I make the switch to Centricity PM?
It's easy. If you're already using Microsoft Windows products for other office functions, you may already have much of the necessary equipment and training. If you're using a DOS or Unix environment, you'll find switching to Centricity PM surprisingly easy and affordable. Your staff is probably already familiar with Windows, since it's likely the same technology they use at home. You no longer have to pay premium dollars for non-premium technology.