What to Look for (and be Wary of) When Choosing Billing Software

What to Look for (and be Wary of) When Choosing Billing Software

Billing software will play a large part in the success of the billing process and getting paid. As an early implementer of medical software and an expert on electronic medical record (EMR) technology, Nitin Chhoda addresses what clinicians should seek in medical billing software.

billing softwareThe goal is to bill accurately and quickly. Ordinary billing software will work, but an EMR is recommended. It’s the new standard in medical billing software.

EMRs have functionalities ranging from submitting more clean claims to verifying patient insurance coverage. Billing software allows clinicians to collect payments quicker and provide an enhanced level of patient care.

Cost

Medical billing programs can cost from $500 to $5,000. The cost of an EMR that is integrated with billing software can reach $50,000, but the good news is that comprehensive EMR systems are available for free. Due diligence should be exercised and sufficient research conducted before purchasing any program.

Digital Delivery

While some insurance companies still require paper claims, the vast majority use digital delivery. Using billing software is fast, efficient and transmits claims to their destination in real time, allowing practitioners to get paid in as little as 10 days. It’s a requirement for government-operated insurance programs that include Medicare and Medicaid.

Communication

Today’s patients communicate in a variety of ways, from old-fashioned mail to voice messages. It’s critical for a practice’s billing software to be able to do the same. Billing programs should have the ability to contact clients by voice and text message, mail, phone and mobile device and email.

Access On the Go

Billing software places all of a patient’s information in a central location, but the programs also provide users with the ability to access client information from any location where an Internet connection is available.

Billers can update information from multiple locations, a particularly useful feature for practitioners with more than one office and those who participate in corporate wellness programs.

Integration

Even though an integrated EMR can take the place of virtually any office system, some clinicians are enamored of their existing programs and can’t bear to part with them. Any billing software program should integrate smoothly with other systems already being used in the office.

Clean Claims

A good billing software program significantly reduces the possibility of claim errors by identifying common mistakes before the reimbursement request is sent. Clean claims can be submitted to clearinghouses that are processed quickly and efficiently for quicker payment collection.

Tech Support

A key feature of medical billing software is the ability to access tech support 24/7. A bug or glitch in the software program can mean significant losses for the practice and payment delays. Billers should be able to work with tech support any time of the day or night to fix problems.

Compliance

Maintaining HIPAA compliance is serious business and billing software helps practices avoid running afoul of state and federal regulations. Patient information is confidential and billing software assists users ensure that data and submissions are transmitted securely.billing software program

Billing software runs the gamut from basic systems to those with a comprehensive array of built-in abilities. Don’t purchase the first system that’s explored.

Do take time to examine each billing software program to ensure it will grow along with the practice and can be customized to accommodate the individual needs of the clinic.

Electronic Medical Records and Its Role in Patient Billing

Electronic Medical Records and Its Role in Patient Billing

Convenience is the keyword for the 21st century clinic. Today’s population is busy and mobile, with little time left after meeting, work, and family obligations. Nitin Chhoda discusses how electronic medical records system (EMRs) simplifies billing for both physical therapists and patients in a variety of ways.

electronic medical recordsPatient income has long been the lifeblood of medical providers.  Effective physical therapy billing is a highly necessary procedure for physical therapists in particular, as some patients may have sessions last over a period of several months.

Versatile Billing

Electronic medical records allow patients to make payments on their own time with a push of a button. Today’s consumers are used to online billing for various services.

However, some medical providers still insist on paper bills. Online billing through an electronic medical records system allows patients to make either one-time payments, ongoing payments, and sometimes participate in automatic billing via credit or debit card.

EMRs make it easier for both patient and physical therapist.  If a physical therapist would like to move into online billing, electronic medical records system is a logical step.

Instant Transactions

Prior to online billing, physical therapist billing used to involve mailed checks or credit card payments taken over the phone. Both of these practices took office assistants’ time to manage billing, and involved a lot of upkeep.

However, with electronic medical records, physical therapists can receive their funding in as little as 48 hours.  Consumers are also able to pay on a variety of devices, such as phone or tablet, without waiting for a paper bill. Providers can increase their income by 23% by adding the ability to receive credit card payments, and EMRs provides that opportunity.

Electronic medical records represent a new wave in improved patient care and physical therapist billing.  electronic medical records

Physical therapists who are looking to streamline their practice in income and medical records should consider using EMRs.

As one of the facets of the changing face of healthcare, electronic medical records are an essential tool for the survival of a physical therapist office.

Facilitating Effective Billing and Coding with Electronic Medical Records

Facilitating Effective Billing and Coding with Electronic Medical Records

Medical billing and coding has always been a complicated procedure, but one that is necessary for physical therapists. Nitin Chhoda discusses how each code is attributed to a certain diagnosis, treatment, and etc., making the billing and coding process simplified and effective.

billing and codingThe correct analysis of billing and coding is imperative to patients’ care, and insurance agencies depend on accurate medical code billing so that medical providers can accurately reimburse the payment for their services.

The ease and availability of electronic medical records (EMRs) improves physical therapist billing and coding by eliminating the disconnection between the provider and insurance agency.

Ensures High Level of Patient Care

EMRs can help patients receive the best care possible.  Physical therapists and other providers are able to share records via EMRs, thus, receive up-to-date information.  The clarification allows providers to see the best picture yet of patient care, and enables them to make more informed decisions regarding treatment.

Employees and doctors do no longer have to deal with ineffective billing and coding. They can focus and give more attention to patient care. 

Increases Income for Practice

Healthcare management depends on quality medical billing and coding to properly invoice patients and their insurance carriers. However, this process is time-consuming and tedious. Sometimes codes are written down incorrectly or a wrong number is read due to poor handwriting.

For years, providers have reimbursement denied by insurance agencies from code errors.  EMRs lessen the chance of errors, and ease the claim submission process.

medical billing and codingBecause all billing and coding must be accompanied by proper documents, EMRs also allow for an easier physical therapy documentation system.

Some insurance agencies are overwhelmed with claims as much as the providers, and the reimbursements may be canceled, lost, or otherwise not received, and this may go unnoticed by the practice.

However, EMRs give a physical therapist the ability to track claims and monitor any discrepancies. EMRs allow a provider to accept payments electronically, thus ensuring quicker billing and coding reimbursement than the traditional check method.