Here some of the additional features dental practice management software platforms can provide to your practice:
Electronic Claims: For a little more than the cost of a stamp, you can expedite sending your insurance claims by using an electronic claims service integrated into your software. It is easy to set up, and you will see faster turn-around time for the check from the insurance.
Electronic Billing: There is no longer any need to churn that $120 printer for four hours and spend the rest of the day stuffing envelopes. Electronic Billing enables you to view every statement that needs to be sent, add a specific or general message, and then have it securely sent to another location for automatic printing, folding, packaging, and delivery.
Specialist Communication: A HIPAA compliant platform that allows you to send patient information, images and other case details to your specialist partners can speed up the process for the patient and eliminate the need to print records or duplicate images.
Patient Communication: Newer versions of many practice management software platforms make it easy to keep in touch with patients. Considering the widespread adoption of mobile and smartphones, it makes sense to have an integrated system that allows your office to use email and text messages to confirm or remind patients up their upcoming appointments.
Credit Card Processing: Most offices take credit cards for payment. When this is integrated with your practice management software, you can directly post payments to the patient’s account. For those patients on a payment plan, you can even set up recurring payments on the same card.
Digital Clipboard: Simply put, what will impress a patient more, handing him a stack of papers attached to a clipboard, or handing him an iPad with a digital form on the screen?
Online Account Access: This feature makes it easy for patients to log in to their account, see any available balances, whether the insurance has paid its share of their bill, and even make a payment. Another convenience is the ability for patients to view their next appointment or request a different one.
Insurance Eligibility and Coverage: The best way to know you are communicating the correct fees and copays to your patients is to know what the insurance is going to pay, whether they have current coverage, or what they have used from their deductible. With the insurance information already in your software, you can easily access an online insurance portal that will tell you everything you need to know.
Reporting: Your practice management software harbors a ton of data. Many newer updates make it easy to fun filters or analysis on that data to keep your finger on the pulse of your practice. Reports such as influx of new patients, where referrals are coming from, what your hygienist produces per hour, or how many missed appointments you’ve had in the last year can help you fine tune your operations and improve practice efficiency and profitability.
Mobile Access: Whether you are getting a late night emergency call, or on the road at a convention, you should be able to access your practice information. Look for software that makes it easy to jump on an iPad app, or log in from a web browser.
Customized Patient Alerts: Rather than searching through a patient’s chart to figure out if she needs a reminder for a pre-med before her hygiene appointment, simply set up a customized profile for that patient in the software. You can create notifications based on health history, prescription information, or whether or not that person has treatment specific needs such as a latex allergy.
Backups Services: Losing crucial data would be the equivalent of a fire burning up all your charts. Look for a software setup that has integrated cloud backups to store your information securely and safely online. It’s like fireproofing your charts but with the added benefit of being able to access them even if your practice is still on fire.