How do I choose the right medical billing software?

Choosing medical billing software that meets all your needs can be a daunting task. A good medical billing application doesn’t just send a claim. It gives you convenience and insight and facilitates an efficient workflow. It allows healthcare staff to focus on clinical processes and medical treatment, while increasing patient satisfaction. So what are the main things you should be looking for in medical billing software?

Top 6 Features to Look for in a Medical Billing Software

1. Reporting

   Reporting is not a luxury, it is a necessity for efficient business management. Basic reports such as AR and demographic reports are essential. But always consider your unique needs. Are there adequate reporting options? Does it alert you to any issues with patient insurance coverage? Are reports easily customizable?

2. Updates and upgrades

   The industry is constantly changing and there are new requirements more frequently than you may be able to keep up with.  From big changes like the emergence of ICD-10 with a brand new code set, to smaller changes like the American Medical Association’s (AMA) requirement for a license in order to use CPT codes. You want to select a software company that not only keeps the software up-to-date with these changes, but also stays ahead of them.

3. A reputable support company

   You want a responsive staff that is knowledgeable enough to answer your questions and solve your problems.  An experienced team can help you learn how to make the most of your software and create a more efficient medical billing cycle.  A good software company will build a relationship with your practice and know you by name when you call. When you have the right team to guide and support you, your problems are more easily and quickly resolved.

4. Features and add-ons

   There will come a point in time where you will want to take the use of your software to another level, typically when your patient volume gets high.  Automation tools will help you keep up and stay organized without feeling overwhelmed or adding unnecessary manual labor.  Look for software that has integrated third party add-ons for features like electronic patient statements, patient reminders, patient intake, OCR scanning, and mobile access.

5. Clearinghouse
   

   A clearinghouse facilitates arguably the most important function of medical billing software – sending claims electronically to insurance companies, receiving electronic remittance reports, and checking patient eligibility electronically.  Your medical billing software should make it easy to send claims to the clearinghouse and provide you with supporting features such as claim scrubbing to reduce denials due to errors from data entry.

6. User interface/friendliness

   You are going to be spending hours working in the software. It may feel more like your home than your physical location.  You need to be able to get around quickly, and not get lost, especially with pressures from patients asking questions about their bills.

You want a medical billing application that is right for you, and that means one with the right set of features and reports. The ideal software will integrate with the existing practice workflows, allowing you to focus on your patients and clinical responsibilities, fulfill regulatory requirements, and maximize collections. For more assistance in choosing the right software for your practice, call or contact us today to get in touch with a healthcare technology consultant.