As someone working in the healthcare or transportation industry, you’re always on the lookout for the best billing software. You want a product that makes your job easier without a hefty price tag or hidden fees. But what really makes a good billing software? The answer may vary depending on your specific role, but for the most part, there are a handful of must-have features everyone can benefit from. We outlined the top 10 features we believe billers need to run the best operation possible. Our knowledge comes from being a Medicaid billing software provider for transportation companies in New york, but we believe everyone in the transportation and healthcare industries across the nation can take advantage of software with these features:
Electronic Claim Processing
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons practices switch from manual billing to software is efficiency. Manual billing is a long, tiring process with a strong potential for claim errors. Electronic billing speeds up the claim processing and, in turn, the reimbursement period as well. Providers who submit electronically receive payments much faster than those submitting paper claims. No matter how you look at it, making the switch to electronic billing is a smart choice.
Claim Scrubbing
Ideally, you want to create clean claims the first time around. Resubmissions will slow down your revenue cycle and set you back, so claim scrubbing is an important feature to look for in billing software. Most electronic systems come equipped with this feature, scrubbing claims for errors before they’re submitted for review. Catch any rejected and denied claims before they’re submitted to payers and save time and money.
Built-In Clearinghouse
Software that includes a clearinghouse within its system may sound like a pricy route to take, but with the best companies, it’s included right in the base price. The clearinghouse is responsible for thoroughly checking all claims for errors so they’re submitted clean to the payers. Without a clearinghouse feature, it’s likely the rejections and denials will pile up quickly.
24/7 Support
Every billing software team should have a support line, but how reliable is it? Watch out for hidden fees charged for using support lines—there are plenty of great software providers out there who offer free, 24/7 support whenever you need it.
In-Depth Training Sessions
While software can be intuitive, there’s still a learning curve when you start working with a new system. It’s important to ask about training sessions—is there a one-time fee? How many are included? How long will training and implementation take? These are all things you should ask providers up front so you’ll know if you’re receiving adequate training or not.
A Simple User Interface
Billing software should make your job easier, not more confusing. If the interface isn’t intuitive, it’s probably only going to make your billing process more complicated. Keep in mind that there’s a learning curve with every system, but you shouldn’t have to navigate your way through a maze every time you log on.
On-Time Claim Submission
Timing is everything when it comes to medical billing. Most payers give you a deadline of a few months to submit a claim, but it’s best to submit them as soon as possible. Having a system that tracks deadlines and sends you reminders for filing claims is key to staying on top of your billing business.
Custom Features
Every practice is different, and you might find yourself wishing for custom software features down the line. Understanding if that’s a possibility with the company you’re thinking about working with, along with what the cost would look like if you decide to go ahead with custom features, is important for the longevity of your relationship with a software provider.
Reporting Tools
Custom reports are a huge advantage to have in a software system. They allow you to track your company’s progress in an organized, cohesive way and they make it easy to use data to guide your decisions.
Electronic Remittance
Electronic remittance advice (ERA) is a huge time saver for billers, especially if you find a few denied claims in your lap. The ERA will have an explanation of the denial and all details about the payment so you can quickly and easily correct the problem and resubmit.
Improve Your Process With NYS Medicaid Billing Software
Your business can benefit from using the right Medicaid billing software. Take control of your billing process today and see what BillPro can do for you!