Author Topic: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing  (Read 7093 times)

jmgiusti

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Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« on: August 01, 2016, 02:47:57 PM »
Good morning all my experts!

 I have a DPM that is taking over the practice of the current podiatrist I bill for. Current podiatrist uses Athena Health. It would be good, except Athena Health charges 4.68% of revenue for use of the Clinical Side!!!! I have never heard of that! Dont most charge a flat fee? They additionally charge short of 2% for Athena collector, which is actually reasonable for what they do.

The new DPM, is a foot and ankle surgical specialist also. She is asking me to research EHRs that would be best for both of us.

1. Clinical side: her quote "I have called several EHR systems and waiting for return calls. I personally like EHRs with templates and not a lot of "clicking" involved. Also, need task messaging, automated phone and e-mail reminders, etc "

2. Billing Side: I of course can work with anything that is web-based

What do the experts here recommend?

Thanks Jessica

Michele

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #1 on: August 02, 2016, 10:18:12 AM »
We do not do enough with EHR to know of one that I would recommend.  Sorry!  But she sounds like she really knows what she is looking for and I don't want to recommend anything without knowing if it meets her requests.

As for Athena, I have never heard of an EHR that charged a %.  Very strange.  And I am not sure with Athena specifically but I do know of other EHR programs that offer the billing portion for a ridiculous % but it's because they have it done overseas.  Basically provider puts in claims, they submit to clearinghouse and that's it.  Not really a billing service.  The provider is really handing the billing themselves.

Good luck!!
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jmgiusti

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #2 on: August 02, 2016, 02:30:48 PM »
Thank you Michele!

You are correct! I think Athena is the only one that charges a percentage of revenue instead of a flat fee. I have seen the contract though and was shocked to find out.

Re: EHR's with billing services: Yes, ridiculously low percentage rates to push a button once with no f/up. I won't deal with anyone that outsources overseas in any way, manner or form! I am good enough at what I do that this is not a threat to me.  A physician that makes that choice would pay dearly and surely regret it!

Thank you so much for your input!

Sincerely,
jessica

PMRNC

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2016, 08:23:20 PM »
Quote
You are correct! I think Athena is the only one that charges a percentage of revenue instead of a flat fee. I have seen the contract though and was shocked to find out.

I wonder how this works in states that prohibit fee splitting arrangements?
Linda Walker
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Michele

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #4 on: August 03, 2016, 02:46:25 PM »

I wonder how this works in states that prohibit fee splitting arrangements?


My personal opinion is that they aren't concerned.  Should be, but aren't. 
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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #4 on: August 03, 2016, 02:46:25 PM »

PMRNC

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #5 on: August 03, 2016, 04:05:16 PM »
So I was curious and decided to see what I could learn. Apparently you can't get Athena EHR w/out utilizing THEIR billing services, so be aware of that if you are being hired by or taking on a client that has them. They basically contract with the doctor for their billing services and in exchange for their 4-7% of revenue the practice get to use their EHR.
 
I found this review which spells it out: http://www.curemd.com/EHR-vendor-pricing-comparison.pdf
Linda Walker
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Michele

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #6 on: August 03, 2016, 09:16:21 PM »
So I was curious and decided to see what I could learn. Apparently you can't get Athena EHR w/out utilizing THEIR billing services, so be aware of that if you are being hired by or taking on a client that has them. They basically contract with the doctor for their billing services and in exchange for their 4-7% of revenue the practice get to use their EHR.
 
I found this review which spells it out: http://www.curemd.com/EHR-vendor-pricing-comparison.pdf

Thanks for digging into it.  This is something people should know before getting into using Athena.
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jmgiusti

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2016, 04:30:33 PM »
So I was curious and decided to see what I could learn. Apparently you can't get Athena EHR w/out utilizing THEIR billing services, so be aware of that if you are being hired by or taking on a client that has them. They basically contract with the doctor for their billing services and in exchange for their 4-7% of revenue the practice get to use their EHR.
 
I found this review which spells it out: http://www.curemd.com/EHR-vendor-pricing-comparison.pdf


Hi, not to refute my experts, but that isn't quite how it works. My current podiatrist has been contracted with Athena since 4/1/2015, I was brought in on that go live date and had no control over him selecting it. I will say he loves the clinicals and I like the billing. The preload data was all messed up, even after 3 times of postponing the go live date previously, which caused a complete interruption in revenue flow and I didn't realize for at least a month, figured Athena knew how to at least do their job with the preload data, legacy numbers, and NPIs etc..... but no. It was unfortunate because it was my 3rd paper to electronic implementation... and I knew how to do it.

How it works: They rape you on the clinicals..... 4.86% of practice revenue exclusively for Athena Clinicals use, the Athena Collector or billing portion is actually just short of 2%. For new physicians they actually put together this wierd Platinum package that will cost you up to 12% of practice revenue... and then make no mistake, no matter what they tell you, you will need at least one full time dedicated biller to work the "hold buckets" for claims as well as drop the claims to the clearinghouse. Athena Collector does alot of the tedious work which is really quite nice, posting of the EOBS, adjustments etc.

jmgiusti

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2016, 04:35:33 PM »
I actually have an unexecuted contract in hand for the "Platinum Package" that is just 2 months old.

kristin

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2016, 12:45:01 AM »
Concur with Jessica on this...I was consulting for a podiatrist who needed PM help, that had Athena. They messed up the integration, so claims were not being paid for months. The office staff entered the billing, Athena was not the billing service.

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2016, 12:45:01 AM »

rballinger1

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #10 on: October 05, 2016, 12:15:36 AM »
A lot of our clients use Kareo's EHR, there is no charge unless you want to use their practice management system, or billing service.

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Re: Podiatry Software for Physician and Billing
« Reply #10 on: October 05, 2016, 12:15:36 AM »