Intravene began using Ascend-IV for Windows in 1996 then upgraded to Ascend-HI in March 2003. Intravene is a typical HOS customer because their facilities, and their needs, are unique within the home infusion industry. They are a physician-owned company offering an infusion suite and home infusion services. Intravene is located in Lynchburg, Virginia and also operates a satellite branch in Danville, approximately 60 miles from their main office. One of the company’s goals was to have both facilities operate the same software from their central server in Lynchburg. With this setup, the Danville facility could dispense prescriptions, while their billing would be done centrally at the Lynchburg facility. 

Nancy Moore recalls, “The implementation was simple and our transition to Ascend-HI (AHI) was effortless. Training was provided by phone and was more than adequate, eliminating the need for any on-site training. Our conversion from Ascend-IV to AHI took only 6 weeks. [Hann’s On Software (HOS) recommends 6 weeks as a normal conversion time frame, although some conversions are completed in less time]. After installing the software, HOS performed a preliminary import of our historical data and started training. During the final 2 weeks, we ran both programs in tandem to iron out any last minute issues.

After upgrading to AHI at our Lynchburg facility, we installed the AHI software and a cable modem at our Danville facility and brought them online. Since AHI reports can be filtered by patient location, we can run reports and choose to see data for one location, or for both locations.

As part of the conversion, we changed from an Access database platform to Ascend-HI’s SQL Server database. Since the upgrade, our system has never been down. Looking back, I don’t think we realized what we were missing. Ascend-IV did the job, but Ascend-HI (AHI) is a great product that is fast, stable and secure.

Hann’s On Software’s support staff has been wonderful and continues to help us if questions arise. With Intravene located on the East coast and Hann’s On Software headquartered on the West coast, the 3-hour time difference was an initial concern. However, HOS have been a great help to us regardless of the time difference. One of the consistent remarks we hear about Ascend-HI is how easy it is to use and how flexible the program is. For example, I find it valuable to install updates without having to have our staff exit the program. Hann’s On Software works very hard to make Ascend-HI user-friendly, and they are constantly incorporating new features to make the program even better."

Nancy says, "Intravene has been able to integrate our business because of Ascend-HI’s comprehensive electronic medical chart. The program’s combination of clinical, billing and reimbursement functions is something we just didn’t have before. We are also electronically billing to Region B DMERC through AHI, using its HIPAA compliant ASC X12N 837 claim format. In early 2004, we began using Ascend-HI to electronically transmit claims to several of our commercial payers through WebMD."

Does Intravene recommend and believe in this product? "We definitely do. Intravene was looking for a long-term partner and we have found one in Hann’s On Software. A year has passed since our upgrade and Hann’s On Software continues to search for ways to improve our experience. Intravene believed in Hann’s On Software and their ability to deliver. After 8 years, we continue to be grateful clients.”

- Nancy Moore, Coordinator, Intravene of Lynchburg, VA