Many individuals are inspired to become entrepreneurs and control their own work destiny.  They are willing to put in the “sweat equity” to be their own ‘boss’.  Opening and running your own practice and or urgent care is a worthy goal but to be successful, the “devil is in the details”.

Here are some suggestions on how to select a “value added” practice management program that allows one to run an efficient business.

 

1. Attractive interface that has “walk-up” usability- From the front-desk clerk, billing manager, to administration, everyone should be able to access and perform their duties in an easy, efficient manner.

2. Designed for end-user not programmer- intuitive user interface is required, so users do not have to know right-click to find tools important to their daily job function.

3. Easy, logical navigation- workflow is important, so no one is guessing what the next step is in the process of patient flow.

4. Scheduling module that can be customized

5. Registration module with scanning of  identification and insurance cards capability

6. Instant eligibility notifications for insurance, deductibles, and co-pay

7. Instant access to past visits and  accounts receivable

8. Fully-integrated Electronic Health Record (EHR) that interacts with the practice management system to capture all CPT codes, ICD-9-10 diagnosis to easily code and send an accurate bill.

9. Certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) to be eligible for $44,000 meaningful use funds to defray initial costs.

10. EHR that has a full database, scanning capabilities, E-prescribing, and is not “hated” by the end-user.

11. Coding support and billing functions that allow you to 1. Do your own billing 2. Outsource to a billing company 3. Any combination of the above.

12. Gives real-time feedback on AR to allow staff to resubmit claims for reimbursement in a timely manner

13. Management reports

14. 24 hours support

15. The cost of the software is offset in savings in the number of FTE’s (full-time equivalents) to run the practice.

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Every practice is different, but being efficient and controlling costs goes a long way toward a positive return on investment.

 

- Dr. Ralph Badanowski, MD

February 2013