Medical Billing and
Coding Software
Comparing and Choosing
the Perfect Package
Learn all about
medical billing and coding software. What it is, why it's needed, how to choose
the right electronic package for you, and overviews of popular options...
Doctor's offices rely
heavily on the speed and efficiency of medical billing software.
Handling patient
information electronically makes data entry for medical diagnosis and procedure
codes easier. Turnaround for the payment of medical claims is also a lot
faster.
For those of you
considering a career in medical billing and coding, mastering medical billing
and coding software is essential for getting any kind of employment in the
field.
You may want to begin
by looking at this step-by-step medical billing software walkthrough, which
describes the steps taken in most software packages to enter new patient
information and bill claims.
Features of medical
billing software programs
Medical billing and
coding software packages have a number of similar features
Connectivity: A
typical medical billing software program runs on a Windows-based operating
system with minimal system requirements.
More comprehensive
packages require purchasing modules which provide specialized features that
enhance the functionality of the overall program.
Some packages are
web-based and run on a remote server. This lets you connect 24/7, 365 days a
year from any remote location.
Functionality: A basic
medical billing and coding software program allows you to:
register and schedule
patients
enter insurance
information
enter claims and
charges
send claims to
insurances
enter patient and
insurance payments.
See our explanation of
why medical appointment scheduling software is necessary for more information.
The article also has a basic guide to scheduling appointments.
Other specialized
systems are Electronic Medical Records (EMR) or Electronic Health Records
(EHR), which are electronic versions of paper charts. These systems require
portable computers and terminals in addition to the software itself.
If you switch to using
web-based EMR, your office may be eligible for government incentives. See the
guide to web-based EMR implementation incentives to see your office's
eligibility and potential stimulus.
Modern billing
software systems are HIPAA compliant and have the most up-to-date security
standards in place to accept and store patient information. See the page on
HIPAA compliant medical billing software for more information.
The best software
includes built-in data encryption and security levels to be used by appropriate
personnel working in the doctor's office.
Choosing your software
Choose your medical
billing software depending on what your practice needs
The software that you
ultimately choose will depend on the needs of your practice, including:
daily patient load
billing and coding
and the number of
doctors.
The biggest thing you
need to determine is which modules you need to perform all of your necessary
daily functions, and your budget. The number of different modules on your
software usually corresponds to the price of the software.
For example, if you
only purchase a demographics and scheduling software, the price will be much
lower than if you purchased software with full practice management
functionality.
Furthermore, each
software package is designed to work on only a specified amount of computers.
If you buy a
single-user software, it means that the software will only work on one single
computer. If, however, you need the software to function on 10 computers, then
you will have to pay more for the added user-functionality.
You also need to
factor in the ability of your software to change with your practice, such as:
The price of adding
new modules
Can you add new
doctors to the system and delete old doctors?
Can you split into
multiple locations?
If you find that you
do not need a module, can you have it removed from your software?
It can be tricky to
know whether or not you're getting a good price for your software. We have a
guide to medical billing software prices which explains how this kind of
software is usually priced, and what you can expect to pay over the long-term
(it's normally always more than the initial cost!).
So which one do you
choose?
Choosing the right
software can easily become one of the most confusing, time consuming, and
stressful things you have ever done. And if you need the software to begin your
billing service or practice, it can often be a crazy and demanding situation.
Keep in mind your
special needs. Keep a notepad of all the things that you MUST have for your
medical billing or practice management software, and a list of things you only
WANT, but can live without.
Ultimately, your
software choice should remind you of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. You may
have to try a few out, but eventually you'll find the one that's just right.
You may find this
short guide to comparing packages and choosing the best medical billing
software useful.
There are many
low-cost options if you're starting out. This guide to cheap medical billing
software has overviews of popular, affordable packages.
We've compiled a list
of medical billing software overviews, and rated each package according to a
number of criteria. You may find this resource useful in making a purchase
decision.
Specialist software
If you need to bill
for a chiropractor, this list of the top chiropractic medical billing software
packages should be useful in making a decision.
If you work in a
hospital setting, it is strongly recommended that you use special software.
This page explains why, and how to choose hospital billing software that
matches your needs.
Durable medical
equipment billing also requires different software. This article explains how
to find the right DME medical billing software.
The Texas
Top Medical Billing
Software Products
What's
the True Cost of Medical Billing Software?
February 22nd, 2011 by Joann Doan
Return from Marketing Medical Billing to
All-Things-Medical-Billing
Return from Marketing Medical Billing to Medical Billing Business
Return from Marketing Medical Billing to Medical Billing Business
Marketing
Medical Billing
Marketing
Medical Billing services is essential to success. Use effective marketing
strategies to land your first client and increase the income of your Medical
Billing Home Business.
When I first started,
my husband and I mailed out over 500 flyers and surveys in metro Atlanta Atlanta
In marketing medical
billing by mail, I've found you need a way to compel prospective clients to
take action. Probably the most effective way is to offer something free if they
respond, or make them aware of upcoming industry changes. A free assessment of
their superbills or practice analysis is a good example. HIPAA has also
presented good opportunities to inform practices what the issues are, how they
effect them, and how you can help.
HIPAA (Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) is United States
Marketing is critical
to growing your business. Consider it a part of normal operating costs and
effort. Just like other service businesses, there is turnover. Doctor’s retire,
die, combine with other practices, quit, change services, and decide to bring
their billing back in house – you name it. So it’s important to always get your
company’s name out there.
Get the Message Out
Probably one of the most ways of marketing medical billing is by word-of-mouth. Get the message out about who you are and what you have to offer. The most effective method is talking to people in the profession, insiders at your target organizations, colleagues, co-workers (and former), and friends.
Probably one of the most ways of marketing medical billing is by word-of-mouth. Get the message out about who you are and what you have to offer. The most effective method is talking to people in the profession, insiders at your target organizations, colleagues, co-workers (and former), and friends.
How often have you
bought a service based on the recommendation of someone you trust?
Word-of-mouth is still one of the best forms of advertising. You need to get
your message out frequently and consistently to as many people as possible.
Target having 20 to 30
conversations with people a week. Mention your qualifications, gather
information, and develop contacts. These contacts are important to get
information on those who may be looking for a billing service.
Get your message into
conversations. You don't have to be overbearing or annoying with it - just
mention it and see where it leads.
Use Google
Marketing medical billing for free! For most people it's easier to look for a service on Google than thumb through the phone book. Google has a local business center where you can enter information about your business and services. When someone searches for your a medical billing business on Google, it will show all the businesses in the area on a map. If you have a web site you can enter a link here also. Click here for more info on Google's Local Business Center
Marketing Medical Billing - Build a Website
This has been a real eye opener for me. I didn't realize how effective a website could be until creating this one. Here's my story of how this website has grown and is starting to become a business of it's own.
Marketing medical billing for free! For most people it's easier to look for a service on Google than thumb through the phone book. Google has a local business center where you can enter information about your business and services. When someone searches for your a medical billing business on Google, it will show all the businesses in the area on a map. If you have a web site you can enter a link here also. Click here for more info on Google's Local Business Center
Marketing Medical Billing - Build a Website
This has been a real eye opener for me. I didn't realize how effective a website could be until creating this one. Here's my story of how this website has grown and is starting to become a business of it's own.
Like mentioned above,
a lot of people use Google or Yahoo to search for medical billing services. A
website is a good way to compliment your medical billing marketing.
When used on your
business cards and marketing, it allows you to give more detailed information
on your services, qualifications, and explain why they need your services. You
can build a site that markets your services AND generates income through
affiliates and Google Adsense - like this website.
Offer something free
When you give people something, especially in a low-key way, it seems to make them a lot more receptive.
When you give people something, especially in a low-key way, it seems to make them a lot more receptive.
One of my approaches
to medical billing marketing is to target several practices that look like good
candidates to outsource their billing. I get something good from my local
bakery like donuts, chocolate chip cookies - something most people like. Those
in the front office are much more open when you give them something and it
helps get a conversation started. You may be surprised what doors will open. I
got my largest client this way.
Other Freebie's for
marketing medical billing to offer:
·
A code review. For
small offices who don't have knowledgeable coders offer to review codes to
identify which codes are out of date. Estimate lost revenue due to these
outdated or incorrect coding.
·
A Practice Analysis
showing the economic benefits of outsourcing billing functions.
·
A review or
consultation of their office practices for HIPAA and OIG compliance. This is
where educating yourself on industry changes can really help.
Office of Inspector General's (OIG)
mission is to protect the integrity of Department of Health & Human
Services (HHS) programs as well as the health and welfare of program
beneficiaries.
If
you are really desperate you can offer your services for a discount for a set
period of time to prove the value of your service.
Remember
you're in this for the long run so if you make enough to cover your expenses
you are basically getting free medical billing training. This gives you a
chance to prove yourself and demonstrate how you can increase practice
revenues.
Offer a discount or
referral fee to an existing client for a referral that successfully leads to signing
another provider. This can be in the form of a discounted percentage for a
month or three, or a fixed discount. Signing up another client will more than
pay for this.
Become an expert
Subscribe to industry and insurance newsletters. Some of the major insurance companies such as BCBS and Medicare are excellent sources to educate yourself on changes in the industry that could affect your clients. Know what's going on in the industry and pending or upcoming changes such as HIPAA, Office of Inspector General, ICD-10, etc.
Subscribe to industry and insurance newsletters. Some of the major insurance companies such as BCBS and Medicare are excellent sources to educate yourself on changes in the industry that could affect your clients. Know what's going on in the industry and pending or upcoming changes such as HIPAA, Office of Inspector General, ICD-10, etc.
Knowledge is Power!
When you get in front of potential clients, that’s your opportunity to
demonstrate your knowledge of the issues affecting physician reimbursement.
Believe me – when it comes to making money, most doctors are all ears. They are
frustrated with the way insurance companies operate.
Physician Lists
For marketing medical billing by mail or phone I've found a good resource for physician Listings are the Little Yellow Book and the Little Blue Book from WebMD. The Little Yellow Book lists physicians alphabetically with with fax and some email addresses and indicates their specialty. The Little Blue Book lists physicians alphabetically with address, telephone number, specialty, and NPI number. These are printed for each metropolitan area. Available from www.tlbb.com at about $30 each.
For marketing medical billing by mail or phone I've found a good resource for physician Listings are the Little Yellow Book and the Little Blue Book from WebMD. The Little Yellow Book lists physicians alphabetically with with fax and some email addresses and indicates their specialty. The Little Blue Book lists physicians alphabetically with address, telephone number, specialty, and NPI number. These are printed for each metropolitan area. Available from www.tlbb.com at about $30 each.
A National Provider
Identifier or NPI is
a unique 10-digit identification number issued to health care providers in the
United States
Another source is
insurance company web sites. For most of the large carriers, you can search for
providers by location and specialty.
There are services
that sell physician lists but I haven't found them to be very useful -
especially for the cost.
Great Marketing Medical Billing Resources
Here's some great economical resources for marketing medical billing business:
Here's some great economical resources for marketing medical billing business:
One of the biggest challenges when starting
your business is getting your first client. I've found this book is relevant
even for marketing new clients for my established business. Learn everything
you need before that all important first face to face meeting with a client. A very timely marketing book with effective
ideas for your medical billing service. Whether you're a new billing service
just starting out or the established billing service trying to growth in this
NEW and challenging economy. This 84 page book gives you new fresh ideas for
getting appointments, signing up new clients, and teaches you new methods that
are more effective and quicker than traditional marketing techniques. Great ideas and how-to on starting and
marketing medical billing services. When I read
A great deal that
includes both books above is Medical Billing Home Business in a Box. This
package includes several other books for learning medical billing and starting
a business.
This collection of
medical billing books includes the following:
·
How to Start Your Own
Successful Medical Billing Business
·
12 Marketing
Strategies To Grow Your Medical Billing Business
·
How To Complete a CMS
1500 (HCFA 1500) Completely and Correctly - Line By Line Box By Box
·
Secrets to Signing Up
Your First Doctor
·
Basics of Medical
Billing
·
Getting Started
Workbook
·
"Big Pack"
of Completed CMS 1500 Practice Forms
·
50 Blank New CMS 1500
Forms
·
Plus 3 special reports
I
wish this package was available when I was getting started. It would have saved
me a lot of time and money.
Remember - You Offer a Valuable Service
As a medical biller it's important to understand the value you add to a practice's bottom line in marketing medical billing services. Many doctors have not had proficient billers so they don't know how much revenue they are missing out on.
Remember - You Offer a Valuable Service
As a medical biller it's important to understand the value you add to a practice's bottom line in marketing medical billing services. Many doctors have not had proficient billers so they don't know how much revenue they are missing out on.
When you get in front
of a potential client, it's important to educate them on what you do. How many
times has their biller been on the phone with an insurance company or Medicare
for 45 minutes finding out why a claim wasn't paid? How many stacks of old unpaid
or returned CMS 1500 forms do they have laying around because of the wrong
insurance ID, a typo, wrong birth date, etc.
Find What Works Best for You
Not every medical billing marketing technique will work well for your situation. It depends on your personality - go with what you're comfortable with. I've found that methods that work great for others don't necessarily work well for me. I've had a lot more success in marketing face-to-face verses phone calls and mail outs. Try several methods until you find what works for you.
Not every medical billing marketing technique will work well for your situation. It depends on your personality - go with what you're comfortable with. I've found that methods that work great for others don't necessarily work well for me. I've had a lot more success in marketing face-to-face verses phone calls and mail outs. Try several methods until you find what works for you.
