How to Evaluate Medical Practice Management Software
It's easy to get started
Whether you are opening a new practice, taking over one that is established, or trying to grow your practice, you need to have control of financials, workflow and staff performance. Understanding the value of automating practice management processes is one thing, and perhaps you've already computerized some of your office processes, but has it gone as smoothly as you had hoped? Are you ready to manage more of your office processes electronically? Evaluating and implementing software can seem like a daunting task but it doesn't have to be. Here's what you should expect when you choose a practice management software solution.
You don't need to be a computer expert
Today's applications can run on a single desktop PC or over a network. Look for software with a user-friendly interface that's as familiar as a patient ledger card, with logical online menus. The best products will offer on-screen tutorials, which can go a long way to help your staff learn the basics and develop proficiency on their own, at their own pace. Start with a software solution that ensures your patient database will be compatible with other ‘off-the-shelf' tools you may use to customize reports and forms.
You can integrate clinical and clerical processes
You should be able to integrate Practice Management software with most billing applications and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems. Having the ability to combine clinical patient records with labs, data, prescription writing and other functions means you can streamline and automate front- and back-office processes in your practice. Tasks can then be performed with less steps and greater accuracy
You don't need to sacrifice data security
Before you buy, make sure your software will help you maintain HIPAA compliance.
Find out what level of backup and disaster recovery capability the software offers. On-premises installation provides a measure of security and eliminates threats inherent in processing patient records online. You should also have the ability to define unique passwords and provide information access to your staff on a need-to-know basis.
Managed care will get easier
Opt for a software solution that will help you track and analyze each of your managed care plans more easily with less time and effort. When you're enmeshed in contract negotiations, service delivery, quality improvement, and cost control, you'll be glad you did. Look for a Practice Management solution that allows you to handle capitated plans with a minimum of clerical effort. Ask if the software can track risk pools and holdbacks. Check for the ability to track authorizations and treatments, and expiration dates.
You won't have to break the bank
Take advantage of subscription-based software, which offers flexibility and affordability because you pay only for what you need. You can avail yourself of proven software, downloadable from the Internet and free to test-drive. It's a no-risk option to evaluate professional-grade applications and determine if you've found the right fit for your office.
Automate your office and grow your practice without an IT guy
Once your network is up and running, send your IT guy home. You'll be empowered to take it from there, and you may be surprised at what you and your team can do on your own.
- Improve cash flow management. Enter treatments and fees; print statements and expedite claims for faster payment and better control of accounts receivable.
- Simplify office and patient scheduling with schedule access from any computer in the office.
- Automate patient accounting and insurance billing, and free up office staff to serve more patients, answering and researching billing questions and insurance problems that require personalized service from a skilled employee.
- Submit claims direct to Medicare, medical clearinghouses and other payers in most states.
- Receive insurance EOBs electronically and process them automatically. Eliminate time-consuming manual processes for payments, remittance advice and other insurance results. Reduce margin of error and improve efficiency when you automate tasks.
About the Author:
Mr. Landau is founder and CEO of VersaForm Systems Corporation. VersaForm designs and develops Medical Practice Management, Electronic Medical Records and clinical software to enable healthcare organizations to use computer and network systems for greater efficiency.
* VersaForm currently offers several medical software applications including a medical practice management application and an electronic medical records application which can be downloaded at no charge from the company's website, http://www.versaform.com.
Contact:
Joseph Landau
VersaForm Systems Corporation
(800) 678-1111
jrl@versaform.com
