How to Purchase Medical Billing Software

2 minute read

By Shawn Hayes

Medical billing software allows a health care practice to streamline its accounting procedures. When you decide to purchase medical billing software, you want to look for certain features to ensure that you are getting a system that can keep accurate billing records as well as ensure patient confidentiality.

Browse different providers of medical billing software systems. On these providers’ websites, you can likely take a virtual tour of their products as well as receive quotes on the price to buy and install the application. Popular software companies include AdvancedMD and MPMsoft.

Check that the medical billing software is compliant with HIPAA, the federal law known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. HIPAA compliance involves making sure that the patient’s medical and financial information is secure and password-protected.

Make sure the medical billing software is compatible with your practice’s operating system. Most new programs require that Windows 2000 or later be installed. Also, check that the software works with your printer type.

Look for the medical billing software features required by your practice before you buy a particular application. Popular features include printable insurance claim forms, ICD-9 code libraries (numerical codes assigned to different medical conditions that insurance companies use to process claims), patient data security, insurance payment tracking, payment posting, and QuickBooks compatibility. If you want electronic billing functionality, you will likely pay much more than you would for applications that offer only printable claim forms.

Sign up for a free trial of the medical billing software. You should consider programs that give you the chance to test out the application risk-free for a minimum of 30 days. You can then make sure it is the appropriate program for your practice. For example, EZClaim has a free 30-day trial program. The trial version offers full functionality and allows you to keep all your data after the trial period ends.

Shawn Hayes

Contributor