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In a world where there are new software solutions for every task and issue, healthcare providers may wonder what exactly practice management software can do for them and whether it is a necessary product for them. Keep reading for more information about the benefits of using a practice management solution, the specifics of a couple platforms on the market and what HIPAA entities need to keep in mind with all software companies they work with.
Why Use a Practice Management Software?
Practice Management refers to the day-to-day operations of a healthcare provider including the decisions they make, the actions they coordinate and the resources they distribute. With the amount of patients that are seen each day in any one office, it can be very time-consuming to coordinate all of these moving parts while still keeping patient care as the priority. Luckily, there are a variety of practice management platforms on the market that integrate solutions to all of these pieces of operating a medical practice.
We know that healthcare providers are asked to wear a variety of hats throughout the day in order to complete the necessary steps to take care of each patient and the practice as a whole. In order to save them time on the administrative and financial aspects of the job, practices often choose to utilize a software that keeps all of these moving pieces organized in one electronic hub. Implementing one of these platforms will increase efficiency in the office, save valuable time for providers and help practices maintain compliance by using a HIPAA compliant software.
Practice Management Software Solutions
Cliniko
Cliniko is a fully-integrated software that simplifies so many of the processes involved in practice management so that providers can spend their time when it matters - with their patients. This complete solution allows medical practitioners to manage their schedules, record notes from appointments, collect payments, generate invoices, track payments and more. Beyond the specific platform features, Cliniko knows the importance of security with information that is processed by healthcare organizations which is shown by their dedication to reach compliance with HIPAA, GDPR and other global regulations.
In light of the COVID-19 health crisis, Cliniko has also pushed forward an early release of their own integrated telehealth software to assist the medical practices that utilize their software. This offers healthcare practitioners with the flexibility to host appointments and provide care to their patients from any device.
Kareo
Another integrated solution to practice management, Kareo, offers electronic appointment scheduling, patient charting, insurance or out-of-pocket billing and analytics reporting capabilities. This cloud-based software is simple and accessible in any location which increases efficiency and mobility of patient care in the practices that utilize it.
Within the platform, the patient portal can be used to organize billing information, view medical records and approve prescription refills in the same place where communication with the patient can be initiated. Plus, in the last month Kareo has released a new solution, Kareo Telehealth, which can be added on to any subscription and allows patient care to remain a top priority in light of the current public health crisis.
CureMD
CureMD is a web-based solution for practice management that integrates administrative, financial and clinical operations of these healthcare organizations. This platform is an all-in-one solution that can be used and customized by practices of all sizes and specialties. CureMD’s platform includes online appointment booking, appointment reminder texting, unlimited document digitization, analytics reports and remaining balance collection.
Another great feature of the CureMD system is the inventory management integration which allows practices to efficiently stock, dispense and manage products like medication, vaccines, durable medical equipment (DME) and more. Medical inventory management allows practices to manage quantities stored, promptly reorder supplies and limit expenses by always having the correct amount of product on hand.
CureMD knows that medical professionals have countless tasks to manage throughout the day and created this platform to take care of these tedious aspects so that the focus can stay on the patient.
NextGen Healthcare
Among other services and products, NextGen offers a user-friendly medical practice management solution that can be used for ambulatory practices of all sizes. NextGen was founded by two doctors with the goal of helping practices tackle the issues the founders had directly seen that hold providers back from offering the most efficient, high quality patient care.
Their fully integrated platform includes a claims clearinghouse, an easy-to-use patient portal, a flexible appointment scheduling tool and their own telehealth software for virtual appointments. As a cloud-based software, NextGen is available for use from any desktop, tablet or phone which increases the practice's ability to be flexible, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CareCloud
In addition to their electronic health record solution, CareCloud is a software-as-a-service company that offers a practice management platform for organizations across different specialties. The platform helps practices streamline their operations and store all of the important paperwork electronically. CareCloud’s simple and modern appointment scheduling software was made to increase efficiency and decrease no-shows.
This platform is also equipped with medical billing software, collections and contracts apps and provides financial and operational analytics reports. Another unique feature of the CareCloud software is the capability to view and sort the real-time flow of patients moving throughout the appointment process from check-in to exam rooms to check out. The CareCloud platform brings together so many different aspects of practice management in a simple, easy to work with software to increase office efficiency.
Be Sure to Sign Business Associate Agreements
As a healthcare provider, it is crucial to keep HIPAA compliance in mind when working with any other organization day-to-day, including practice management software solutions. HIPAA covered entities must sign business associate agreements (BAAs) with any organization they work with that will handle their patient’s protected health information (PHI). Luckily Cliniko, Kareo, CureMD, CareCloud and NextGen all offer secure, HIPAA compliant platforms and will sign BAAs upon request.
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