Frequent Questions

What's the background of FreeDOM...who developed it?
Health Data Services (HDS), Inc. developed FreeDOM. HDS is headquartered in Virginia, and has been a Practice Management vendor and clearinghouse for almost two decades. Learn more.

Is FreeDOM free for all healthcare providers?
FreeDOM is free for every type of healthcare provider given the practice has only one or two providers.

Is FreeDOM available to larger practice groups?
FreeDOM may be used by any size group. See the fee schedule for larger practices and specialty types.

How can Health Data Services (HDS) afford to offer FreeDOM at no cost?
HDS offers a list of ancillary and elective services for which it charges its clients.

How do I and my staff install and use FreeDOM?
After enrolling your practice, FreeDOM is easy to download and install. FreeDOM has been designed to allow the user to teach themselves to use the program. FreeDOM has an excellent Help System, and free live support for a limited time. In the rare cases where additional support is needed, there are four support plans from which to choose.

How long does it take to get up and running with FreeDOM?
You can start using FreeDOM as soon as your enrollment is complete (usually within 1-2 business days). The data creation process (creating your diagnosis and procedure codes, service fees, patient registration, etc.) depends on the size of your practice and your available resources.

What about training?
FreeDOM offers an outstanding Help System that is included FREE. The Help System designed to get staff up and running quickly, and addresses every FreeDOM procedure with clear, step-by-step instructions that include many intuitive screen illustrations. In short, the Help System is designed to allow staff to train themselves. You’ll also have access to a User Help Forum where you can post questions and receive answers absolutely free.

What if I need extra help?
You have free access to the FreeDOM Help Forum where you can post questions and receive answers in a timely manner. In the rare cases where additional support is needed, there are four support plans from which to choose.

What are the system requirements to use FreeDOM software?
A Windows™ compatible 1 GHZ Pentium PC, 128 MB memory, 17 inch VGA monitor. 2 GB of disk space. Windows™ XP, 2000 or Vista operating system. In most cases, a dial-up connection will suffice but a DSL or cable modem is recommended.

Is hardware included or available through FreeDOM?
No, you are responsible for your own computer systems.

Will FreeDOM's support staff help me with hardware problems?
This would be a paid support call since we do not supply your hardware.

How do I know my information is secure?
FreeDOM guards your database with multiple firewalls, VeriSign user authentication, network monitoring and intrusion detection. We take your security and confidentiality very seriously. For more information, see our data hosting and backup page.

Is my patient data stored separately from other practices?
Absolutely. Your practice has its own highly encrypted database, separate and secure from all others.

How often is my data backed up?
Daily (Mon-Fri). Your data is backed up in our secure, state-of-the-art server facility. Your records are protected from disasters such as fire, flood, or theft.

How does the FreeDOM claims process work?
FreeDOM receives your claim information, then "scrubs" the data using our proprietary claim processing engine, ClaimHub. ClaimHub compares your data to the information the specific payer requires. If the claim is missing information the payer requires, you’ll know immediately so you can correct it before the payer even sees the claim. This means faster reimbursement with all payers because your claims are filed accurately and processed more efficiently with fewer rejections.

Does HDS send insurance claims to all insurance companies and other third party payers?
Yes. If we cannot send a claim electronically, you have the option of printing and mailing the claim, or using HDS print and mail services (fees apply).

How much does HDS charge for sending insurance claims and monthly statements?
See that answer here.

Is FreeDOM HIPAA compliant?
Absolutely. All claim types are Edifecs-certified to ensure they are HIPAA-compliant. FreeDOM contains all HIPAA datasets and was designed from the ground up to comply with HIPAA regulations.

Can you convert the data from my current system?
No. Experience has taught us that the cost of any meaningful data conversion is so high that it is best to start with clean, manually input data. Doing this requires an up-front time commitment, but also provides a valuable opportunity to correct or delete dated or obsolete information from your system. Beware of vendors who claim to convert your old data to their new system.

What if I decide I do not want to use FreeDOM at some later date?
There is no contractual amount of time that you must use FreeDOM. If you don’t like the program and/or our service, you are free to terminate whenever you like.

Will I be able to have access to my data if I terminate?
As long as your account is paid in full, you can access your data for six months after termination.