Credit Card Processing

The AdvancedMD medical practice optimization platform offers integrated credit card processing, developed in conjunction with Payment Processing, Inc. (PPI)*. To gain access to the automated posting ability, the practice must open a credit card merchant account with PPI, purchase the encrypted card swiper appliance and simply connect the card swiper to the computer.

Key benefits to the practice:

• Reduced errors: No hand typing of credit card information, card is swiped through the desktop appliance and payment is automatically posted to A/R
• Less work: Eliminates redundant workflow necessary to process and record payments
• Faster time to revenue: Patient payments can be collected at the time of check-out
• Reduced costs: Fewer patient statements need to be processed and mailed
• Improved security: Since patient card information is not stored locally or within the AdvancedMD application, the practice has significantly less risk and liability

When this service is enabled, the practice can swipe a credit card at the time of check-in or check-out, and the following happens: (see figure 1):

• The card processing information is encrypted and transmitted to the PPI processing gateway and stored on the PPI site
• The payment amount is sent to the AdvancedMD application, where the payment is automatically posted to the correct patient A/R account
  
  • Additionally, payments can be taken over the phone, where the card information is input by hand, and payment is still auto-posted to the AdvancedMD A/R and sent encrypted to the PPI card processing gateway

Billing teams will find the services available within the PPI Customer Support Center valuable. For reconciliation purposes, for example, a PPI Daily Batch Totals report can be run that shows how many payments and credits were settled on a specific date.

How to Get Started

In order to take advantage of the convenience and automation of handling patient payments at the reception desk, the practice will need to get a credit card merchant account setup with our integration partner PPI. You can begin that process here.

PPI assigns a dedicated account manager to help the practice through the new account setup process.

Learn more about the setup process

Why PPI, Even if You Have a Merchant Account?

As part of the PPI business practice process, they strive to meet or beat the rates you have with your current merchant account provider. You can request a free rate comparison analysis if you already have a merchant account through another card processing provider. Read more about their offer.

Learn more about PPI's card payment process

Understand how credit card fees are generated

Keep Current with Credit Card Security Requirements

Did you know that any practice (any business) that takes credit card payments must adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), that went into effect the first of July, 2010? By doing business on the AdvancedMD/PPI solution, you gain a process that separates your business from the persistent storage of patient card storage of patient card information. This reduces your practice's responsibilities and related security requirements normally associated with electronic storage of patient credit card information.

PPI also offers you the PayPros PCI Compliance Program for Businesses to help you navigate through your first PCI DSS audit and includes unlimited scans to maintain required PCI compliance. Available to you at low, negotiated rates offered exclusively to PPI customers, the program is conducted by Digital Resources Group (DRG), an Approved Scanning Service (ASV) and Qualified Security Assessor (QSA). To learn more, visit: http://www.paypros.com/ds/merch.asp.

* Payment Processing, Inc. is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, CA; HSBC Bank USA, National Association, Buffalo, NY; and National Bank of Canada, Montreal, PQ.  (c)2010 Payment Processing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Helpful Educational Links

If you have not set up a credit card merchant account in the past, the following resources are provided as educational material to help acquaint you with the fees and discounts associated with a credit card merchant account:

Merchant Council, Merchant Account Basics:
http://www.merchantcouncil.org/merchant-account-information/merchant-account-basics.php

Merchant Account Terminology:
http://www.bankofamerica.com/small_business/merchant_card_processing/index.cfm?template=glossary

Startup Nation, Merchant Account Fees Explained:
http://www.startupnation.com/series/122/9247/merchant-account-fees.htm

Credit Web, Merchant Account Fees:
http://www.creditorweb.com/articles/merchant-account-fees-to-business-owners.html

The Merchant Account Explorer, Fees & Costs:
http://www.merchant-account-explorer.com/merchant-account-fees.php