Clarifying ClientTracker Desktop's OPTIONAL Subscription Service

ClientTracker has been available since 2003 as a stand-alone desktop program.  This presented many challenges over the years in upgrading the software to work with new technology, devices, and government requirements.  A subscription allows us to provide better service to you, our customer, and to develop the features and requirements you need - when you need them.  This is the concept of "Software as a Service" or SaaS, which is transforming our industry, and the way that consumers use the benefits and services that software provides.

• ClientTracker Desktop is now available EITHER by subscription, or "buy it when you want it"
• ClientTracker Cloud is available only by annual or monthly subscription

How the New Subscription Works
For the desktop ClientTracker, you pay one annual amount (currently $395) to use the software and have all upgrades and support.  This amount is not expected to change much over the years, but honestly, who can say what will happen to the world's economy?

• At $395 per year, this is about a dollar a day to use software that handles many aspects of your practice, including patients, inventory, and billing.  Most people spend more than this on supplements!

You don't have to renew every year, but keeping your subscription current is one way to manage your business expenses and keep them predictable.  Every year, we plan to have amazing new features and easy-to-use tools to deal with new government regulations like ICD-10.

How the Upgrade to 5 Works
In the past, you paid one fee to get software that was "stuck in time."  That is, it worked in a certain way, and only that way.  For example, our versions 4.0 (and earlier) had few updates, and will not have any new development for the new 1500 form or ICD-10 codes due to technical limitations.  To upgrade to v5 from an earlier version, you simply pay your first year's subscription, with no extra fees.

What Happens If I Don't Pay the Subscription Renewal?
Your subscription renewal will be due a year from when the upgrade is delivered by email download, and every year on that date.  If you choose not to renew your subscription, the program will still function 100% as it does now.  We are one of the few software companies that still offers this option, and we will keep it available for as long as it is fiscally possible.

If you choose not to renew, there will be a fee for any needed email or phone support.  Our searchable online manual remains free and available all the time.  Your subscription enables us to provide the program development and support services you need.  It's your choice.

• We are simply pointing out that if you want to have software that evolves on an ongoing basis to meet your needs, it is worth paying for it on an ongoing basis.  It's certainly better than paying once for a program that never changes and becomes obsolete.

We know that some of our customers purchased ClientTracker because it was one of the few programs that had a low, one-time fee.  That works for software that never changes.but not for practice management software in the 21st Century.  As technology has advanced exponentially, there has been an explosion of new devices and options that require a software program to keep up.  Also in the healthcare field, we face unprecedented changes in privacy and interoperability on an historic scale.  The evolution of comprehensive, nuanced, intelligently designed software costs more money than ever before.

Over 90% of your subscription goes to new development.  We are not a large, faceless corporation.  As we have said in previous posts (and on our web site), we are people just like you who CARE about your practice and the important healthcare alternatives you offer your community, and we want to support you.