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What’s the best medical billing software for a small healthcare practice?
It’s complicated.
You want to keep costs low, but so does any business.
You want to minimize redundancy and get a solution that’s easy for anyone on your team to use regardless of experience… you’re not alone there, either.
This article reviews and compares the top medical billing software based on their effectiveness for smaller healthcare companies.
Instead of focusing on the cheapest or simplest, we evaluated based on cost-effectiveness for small practices, giving the highest scores to the medical billing tools with small business-specific features and communities.
Here’s what we found.
How to Choose the Right Medical Billing Software for Your Business
Choosing the right medical billing software for your business requires a discerning eye. You also need to understand your unique needs.
Begin by prioritizing ease of use.
The software should integrate seamlessly into your current operations and be accessible to all team members regardless of their tech savviness.
The journey doesn’t end at purchase.
Customization is key.
A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in the nuanced world of medical billing.
Look for platforms that allow you to tailor features according to the specific demands of your practice.
Robust customer support is also crucial.
Ongoing assistance ensures that challenges can be addressed swiftly, minimizing potential disruptions.
Finally, in an era where data breaches are all too common, the importance of HIPAA compliance cannot be overstated.
Protecting patient information is a legal duty.
It is also key to trust in the patient-provider relationship.
Consider these factors carefully.
They will help you pick a medical billing software that meets and exceeds your small business’s needs.
This will set a foundation for smooth operations and higher efficiency.
#1: AdvancedMD
AdvancedMD excels at navigating medical billing with efficiency.
It is a top choice for small businesses that want to optimize their billing operations.
This strong platform is built to address the many challenges of medical billing.
It has advanced features designed to streamline the entire billing cycle.
With electronic claims processing at its core, AdvancedMD reduces manual effort and the potential for error, which ensures that claims are managed promptly and accurately.
Automated payment posting helps efficiency.
It captures payments and adjustments, making for smoother cash flow.
AdvancedMD offers a patient self-scheduling tool that allows patients to book appointments online 24/7, reducing staff workload.
This means your staff will spend less time on the phone scheduling appointments, and patients can easily book at their convenience, even outside of office hours.
The software provides a patient responsibility estimator to determine financial responsibility before rendering services.
AdvancedMD has a built-in telemedicine solution for conducting virtual visits with patients.
The software’s comprehensive reporting tools empower businesses with actionable insights that enable them to make informed decisions that can positively impact their financial health.
These tools are not just useful.
They offer a clear lens that makes the complex parts of billing and revenue visible and manageable.
AdvancedMD’s commitment to streamlining billing processes goes beyond its technical capabilities.
It provides an environment where small businesses can transcend traditional billing constraints.
This allows them to focus more on providing good care.
They are not bogged down by administrative burdens.
Healthcare is dynamic.
Efficiency and accuracy are key.
AdvancedMD is a beacon for small businesses in this landscape.
They aim to use technology to improve their billing operations.
AdvancedMD doesn’t publish its pricing.
Clicking the “Pricing” button in the header takes you to the page that identifies the plans and bundles available
- Build a Bundle
- Standard Pricing
- RCM (Revenue Cycle Management)
Click the “Get Your Standard Pricing” button to complete and submit your details.
You’ll be provided with instant access to pre-configured plans and pricing.
Or click the “Demo” link in the header to complete and submit your details to schedule a personalized live demo.
#2: DrChrono
DrChrono distinguishes itself as a forward-thinking, cloud-based medical billing solution suited for the nimble demands of small businesses.
Its key strength is the blend of customizability and efficiency.
It gives users the tools to customize their billing and scheduling workflows precisely.
Though the platform’s templates are customizable, they are not just about looks.
They are about carving out a billing process that feels inherently yours.
They greatly reduce the learning curve and streamline administrative tasks.
DrChrono’s medical billing software is ONC-ACB certified for Meaningful Use Stages 1 and 2.
The platform offers customizable clinical note templates that auto-populate patient data to save time.
DrChrono provides a check-in app that allows patients to complete registration forms and make payments on an iPad.
What this means for your practice is a streamlined check-in process, reduced paperwork, and improved data accuracy, freeing up your staff to focus on patient care.
Integrated payment processing is another feature of the DrChrono experience.
It ensures that transactions are secure and seamlessly integrated into the patient’s journey from appointment to payment.
This harmonious integration extends to the scheduling tools, a testament to DrChrono’s commitment to elevating productivity without sacrificing user-friendliness.
DrChrono has placed a strong emphasis on intuitive design and comprehensive functionality.
They have transformed how small businesses approach medical billing, making it less about navigating complexities and more about embracing simplicity and efficiency.
DrChronos doesn’t publish its pricing.
There are four paid plans (click the “Get a Quote” link in the header, complete and submit your details, and you’ll be contacted about pricing options) :
- Basic – Prometheus for EHR (Electronic Health Record) & Practice Management
- Advanced – Hippocrates for Advanced EHR & Practice Management
- Advanced – Apollo for EHR, Practice Management & Medical Billing Software
- Advanced – Apollo Plus for EHR, Practice Management & Revenue Cycle Management Services
It provides a 30-day free trial (click the “Try Now” button in the header, complete, and submit your details to set up the free account.)
#3: NextGen Medical Billing
NextGen Medical Billing is a model of innovation and efficiency.
It is in the domain of medical billing software for ambitious small businesses.
It is a platform that cleverly combines real-time eligibility verification with denial management tools and electronic remittance advice.
It sets a new benchmark for operational ease.
At its core, NextGen is designed to reduce the common pitfalls of billing errors.
This streamlines the revenue cycle management process.
It does so in a way that is both effective and seamless.
This software is not just about processing claims.
It is about reshaping how small businesses handle healthcare delivery’s money aspects.
By providing instant access to patient eligibility, NextGen ensures that services are covered.
This reduces claim rejections and denials that so often impede cash flow.
Its tools for managing denials are notable.
They give businesses a way to fix claim issues quickly.
This turns potential revenue losses into successful recoveries.
NextGen’s billing software enables practices to create custom claim edits and scrub claims before submission.
This means cleaner claims, fewer denials, and faster reimbursement, improving your cash flow and reducing billing headaches.
The system offers an integrated patient payment portal for online bill pay.
NextGen provides a claims status inquiry tool to look up the status of submitted claims easily.
In this landscape, billing efficiency directly affects a small business’s sustainability.
NextGen Medical Billing is a beacon of hope.
It promises to improve the finances of small businesses.
It will also make billing simpler and reduce errors.
NextGen doesn’t publish its pricing.
Click the “Schedule Demo” link in the header to complete and submit your details to schedule a demo in the popup.
#4: Carepatron
In the changing world of medical billing software for small businesses, Carepatron stands out.
It excels in user-friendliness and efficiency.
This innovative, cloud-based platform is different because it offers easy-to-use features.
Among its most compelling offerings are electronic claims submission, which drastically reduces paperwork and margin of error, and patient scheduling, which optimizes the allocation of resources.
Carepatron also has strong reporting tools. It lets businesses learn from their financial data. performance and identify areas for improvement.
Carepatron takes a strong compliance approach.
Its Telehealth video calling service for remote consultations integrates with Zoom and other services and is HIPAA-compliant.
In addition, this feature means you can continue providing care and generating revenue even when in-person visits aren’t possible, expanding your reach and improving patient access and satisfaction.
The tool helps businesses find areas to improve.
Other features of Carepatron include:
- Streamlined workflow management – syncs staff calendars and organizes schedules, meetings, and tasks in one unified platform
- Customizable clinical note templates – allows creating and storing notes like SOAP and DAP, securely stored in the cloud
- Integrated patient portal – patients can access the provider’s schedule, book appointments, and view medical records
- Automated appointment and invoice reminders – reduces no-shows and ensures timely payments
- HIPAA compliance – ensures security and confidentiality of patient data with encryption and access controls
- Intuitive user interface – easy navigation for users of all technological capabilities
- Online booking – customizable booking page, cancellation policy settings, Stripe integration for online payments
Carepatron is a partner in the pursuit of operational excellence.
It blends functionality with simplicity and gives small businesses the means to navigate medical billing confidently.
Carepatron has three main pricing plans:
- Starter Plan: Free per staff user, with limited features like 1GB storage
- Professional Plan: $12 per staff user/month when billed annually, with features like unlimited storage, client portal, online bookings, etc.
- Organization Plan: $19 per staff user/month when billed annually, with advanced features like custom treatment plans, advanced permissions, dedicated success manager, etc.
The per user pricing is cheaper when billed annually compared to monthly billing. There are no setup fees, cancellation fees or minimum contract terms.
For online payments, Carepatron charges a payment processing fee of 2.9% plus 30¢ per transaction across all plans.
#5: TherapyNotes
TherapyNotes is in the medical billing software realm.
It caters specifically to the nuanced needs of mental health professionals.
This platform attests to the unique challenges in mental health billing and requires a tailored approach.
TherapyNotes specifically addresses these challenges, offering a range of tools that simplify the billing process while maintaining the focus on patient care.
Its electronic billing capabilities ensure that claims are processed efficiently, reducing the administrative burden on practitioners.
Adding appointment scheduling to the software streamlines the organization of patient sessions and boosts operational efficiency.
Secure messaging, another key feature, facilitates confidential communication, ensures that sensitive patient information is handled with utmost care, and complies with HIPAA regulations.
The Patient Portal (TherapyPortal) allows patients to access documents, manage appointments, make payments, and participate in telehealth sessions, which can be custom-branded.
What this means for your practice is empowered patients who can take a more active role in their care, reduced administrative tasks for your staff, and a modern, professional image that sets you apart.
Other features of TherapyNotes include:
- Appointment scheduling – fully integrated scheduling system to easily book one-time or recurring appointments, customize calendar views
- Clinical documentation and notes – flexible templates to efficiently document therapy sessions, securely stored in a centralized location
- Medical billing – create and submit electronic insurance claims, manage patient invoices and payments, automated workflows for eligibility checks and payment posting
- Telehealth – HIPAA-compliant video conferencing for remote therapy sessions, including screen sharing
Integrating electronic billing and administrative functions into the platform demonstrates TherapyNotes’ commitment to supporting mental health professionals in providing diligent care.
Through its focused approach, TherapyNotes has shown how medical billing software can improve the management of practices in the mental health sector.
Therapy Notes has three paid plans:
- Solo – $49 per month for one user
- Group: $59 per month for the first clinician +$30 per month for each additional clinician. Unlimited for non-clinical staff.
- Enterprise (30+ Users): $59 per month for the first clinician +$30 per month for each additional clinician. Unlimited for non-clinical staff. Includes a designated account manager.
Every plan starts with a free 30-day trial.
There is
- No signup fee
- No long-term contract
- No requirement for a credit card
Click the “Schedule a Demo” button on the Home Page to complete and submit your details to reserve your spot for a 30-minute demo.
Maximizing the Benefits of Your Medical Billing Software
Unlocking the full potential of your medical billing software requires a proactive approach.
Empower your team with relevant training sessions and ensure they acquire the skills to leverage every aspect of the software’s operations.
This investment in knowledge will transform your staff into proficient users who can confidently navigate the system.
Regular updates are a crucial aspect of maintaining the software’s efficacy.
As developers roll out new features and improvements, updating your system will ensure you are at the forefront of billing technology.
You will be ready to handle the ever-changing challenges of medical billing.
Watching your billing processes using key performance indicators (KPIs) provides priceless insights into your operational efficiency.
This data-driven approach helps you find strengths and areas for improvement.
It enables a cycle of optimization.
Using these strategies changes your medical billing software from a tool into an asset.
It drives your business towards streamlined operations and financial strength.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls with Medical Billing Software
Medical billing software is filled with potential missteps, but you can adeptly avoid these obstacles with vigilance and information.
An important aspect of this journey is a regular and thorough review of your billing procedures.
This proactive approach will ensure your practices match and keep up with changing legal and regulatory rules.
In this digital era, software systems are the backbone of billing.
The margin for errors is small.
They can come from data entry mistakes or outdated billing codes and have far-reaching consequences.
These aren’t mere hiccups.
They can hurt cash flow and the trust patients place in your establishment.
The solution lies in building a culture of vigilance, where billing errors are quickly identified and corrected.
As previously stated, medical billing software requires keeping abreast of updates.
Embracing these updates regularly is vital.
It lets you use the full range of your software’s abilities and keeps your business strong in the face of change.
Final Thoughts
The future of medical billing software for small businesses is bright and has immense potential.
The anticipated integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will introduce precision and automation.
These advancements will refine the accuracy of billing processes, minimize human error, and streamline operations.
The automation AI will bring to the table will create efficiency and redefine the role of billing in healthcare practices so providers can dedicate more time to patient care.
We’re about to see much better reporting.
This will give businesses better insight into their finances and operations.
Security, a paramount concern in this digital age, is set to become even more robust.
Encryption and data protection innovations will offer greater peace of mind and safeguard sensitive patient information against cyber threats.
We are on a path to a future in medical billing software that will make finance simpler for small businesses and improve care through operational excellence.