Author Topic: changing software  (Read 4755 times)

margemib

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changing software
« on: August 10, 2009, 11:40:30 AM »
Michele,
When and if someone decides to go with a different software how hard is this to do?
Because I see where you can get all the patient, Ins., and provider ifo out in excel format but what about accounting and claims, do you just still use the software till the claims are paid and just start the new claims in the new software?
Margemib :-\
Margie Finlay CMRS

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Re: changing software
« Reply #1 on: August 10, 2009, 12:10:28 PM »
To answer your question.. conversions.. whether done manually or not are difficult and cumbersome and that's putting it mildly, this is why I always tell people to buy the BEST software right out of the gate, do it right the first time, if cost is a factor you wait. That's my best advice and it's from learning the hard way myself. Since 1996 I have made 4 major software changes, each one was a royal PAIN in the rear!  Companies that offer conversions, usually do so with NO guarantee and sometimes that's worse than a manual migration.
With my LAST conversion I think I finally got it as smooth as possible (still not perfect) I worked the A/R in the old and entered the new in the new. The key is to KEEP current and work on the informatics during the slower times. For example, you might have 200 patients with older balances, keep your claims current in the new software and in down time you enter your balance forwards. I use special codes for these so that when doing reports the provider can see and differentiate the data carried over to the new software. I also run reports from both each month, when i have worked as far as I can go, balance forwards are added to the new software (again using special codes)

Database setup is EXTREMELY important. HOW you set up your database from day one is crucial.
Linda Walker
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Steve Verno CMBS, CEMCS

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Re: changing software
« Reply #2 on: August 10, 2009, 12:22:15 PM »
I went from Versyss, to Unisys, to Medical Manager

With all, we had to decide what date of service will start in the new software.

We had to back up the data for easy access due to attorney and insurance requests and patient questions.  

My billing company closed.  They sent me 14 DVDs of the patient data, in a nice database, and with scanned EOBs. Today, we got an attorney request on a 1999 date of service, so I am going though the database finding the account and manually create a facsimile statement.  

With two of the above softwares, we had to print out each account because saving to a file was impossible.  We spent the next couple of weeks, manually entering the basic info into the new software when the patient returned for a different visit.  This was important because we verify eveything for competeness and accuracy before we do anything.  We didnt do every account, only those returnees.  The software that had the ability to export data, I spent about a week making changes to the file for easy importing.  This took testing after testing to ensure 500,000 accounts would not go in, incorrectly.   But, again, we started with a specified date of service.


Example. Now using Unisys.  Just got Medical Manager.  It would start with August 17, 2009 date of service.  Unisys data needs back up.  If we need to look up a march 2009 date of service, we have to go into the unisys data for additional info.  On the last day of using Unisys, we run aging reports to work.  We import the demographics and insurance into Med Manager.  If payment comes in, we enter charges and post adjustments and payment.  But the date of service is our key.  
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margemib

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Re: changing software
« Reply #3 on: August 10, 2009, 12:34:05 PM »
WOW what a job!
Thanks for the advice!
margemib ::)
Margie Finlay CMRS

Michele

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Re: changing software
« Reply #4 on: August 11, 2009, 10:05:23 AM »
I agree with all from Linda and Coding4aliving.  Thankfully, I actually haven't had to experience a conversion with my own business, but I have seen others go thru it up close.  When we began our business 15+ years ago we made a decision to go with Lytec.  We've stuck by that decision and it's worked well for us.  We are planning on going thru a conversion soon as we have decided to go with a web based system.  We are planning it methodically and thoroughly.  We are only converting some data, not all.  As Linda said, it is important to keep things current.  We are going to pick a date for conversion, work on the old A/R in the old system and enter new work in the new system. 

I do not recommend software hopping as it definitely is not an easy process.  If you find you are in need to switch, make sure you don't act rashly.  Plan the conversion, and allow room for hiccups!

Michele
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Re: changing software
« Reply #4 on: August 11, 2009, 10:05:23 AM »

margemib

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Re: changing software
« Reply #5 on: August 11, 2009, 02:42:30 PM »
Thanks Michele!
Margie Finlay CMRS

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Re: changing software
« Reply #6 on: September 19, 2009, 08:47:15 PM »
which software do you all recommend/dont recommend? there is so many to choose from and quite honestly, prices are outrageaous, i know it is worth the investment, but what a cost at the beginning!! thank you for your responses in advance ;)

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: changing software
« Reply #7 on: September 19, 2009, 11:30:29 PM »
which software do you all recommend/dont recommend? there is so many to choose from and quite honestly, prices are outrageaous, i know it is worth the investment, but what a cost at the beginning!! thank you for your responses in advance ;)

Everyone's needs are different, so my only suggestion is to go with a web-based software system. You have to look at your needs, the cost, the providers needs etc and make a decision based on that.

Michele

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Re: changing software
« Reply #8 on: September 19, 2009, 11:43:16 PM »
I agree with PayMyClaims, web based is the way to go.  And it is usually a monthly fee which helps with having to put up so much money in the beginning for the software.  But be careful when you are checking them out.  Many charge per provider, which for a billing service can be costly, and some have minimums, setup fees, training fees, etc.  Make sure you find out all before signing.

Michele
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PMRNC

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Re: changing software
« Reply #9 on: September 20, 2009, 11:09:28 AM »
Just another tip, but when you are looking at "cost" you have to take into consideration the growth of your business. More than likely if you go with a cheaper solution in the beginning, it might not be right for you later. Most of your very reasonable or cheaper priced systems are good for small practices but they run out of stamina later on.
Linda Walker
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Re: changing software
« Reply #9 on: September 20, 2009, 11:09:28 AM »