billing software

[Kinlaw30]

Has anyone ever used office ally? If so do you think this one is a good choice with first starting off? 

[gurumedbill]

Are you talking about the clearinghouse or the billing software (Practice Mate)?  I used Practice Mate for about 2 weeks and then I couldn't take it anymore.  It takes so many mouse clicks to get anything done.  I personally can't stand it.  If you are talking about the clearinghouse I've used that quite a bit.  For a free clearinghouse it is pretty darn good.  In my opinion there are several paid clearinghouses out there that are better (and worth the money) but it is better than a lot of the paid clearinghouses.

[Kinlaw30]

Ok Thanks for the information. How long have you been in business ?
What other software is great?

[Merry]

Take a look at NowMD. And we give you a 10% discount for being here on MBL. Only $349 minus 10%. Awesome, powerful product. Server based.

Merry

[Michele]

Are you looking for clearinghouse or Practice Management software?

[gurumedbill]

If you are talking about PM I would personally stay away from NowMD just because it is brand new (less than a year old).  I have a hard time believing they are going to make it as a new company that doesn't have an EHR or a web based program.  I think the market is too small for that for a start up.  The last thing you want to do is start with a company and then have them go out of business.I have used quite a few software programs and everyone has their own preferences but I think the best software for the money is TotalMD.  I also think Healthfusion, AdvancedMD and Kareo are pretty good but not worth the money compared to TotalMD.  Hopefully you'll hear from some other people to give you their two cents so you'll have some better ideas.  My suggestion is to choose a handful and look at the pricing and when you have a few that will meet your budget do a demo of each.

[PMRNC]

If you are talking about PM I would personally stay away from NowMD just because it is brand new (less than a year old).  I have a hard time believing they are going to make it as a new company that doesn't have an EHR or a web based program.  I think the market is too small for that for a start up.  The last thing you want to do is start with a company and then have them go out of business.I have used quite a few software programs and everyone has their own preferences but I think the best software for the money is TotalMD.  I also think Healthfusion, AdvancedMD and Kareo are pretty good but not worth the money compared to TotalMD.  Hopefully you'll hear from some other people to give you their two cents so you'll have some better ideas.  My suggestion is to choose a handful and look at the pricing and when you have a few that will meet your budget do a demo of each.

I always like to have a FULL picture when I'm shopping. So that you know.. the SOFTWARE maybe new but the guy behind it.. NOT so much.   In fact he's brilliant, and well known. HE is the man behind MEDISOFT...    In some cases you need to have a full picture. He's a bit modest, humble but when he does something .. it's sure to be a hit. I don't work for him, I don't get any sales... but the man has definitely earned my respect and I'd definitely watch him for the future.

[Merry]

I agree with you Linda about Jeff Ward and NowMD. He has been in this industry for years. Jeff and I figured that we had known eachother for nearly 28 years..all involving this industry. Programmers are all long time developers of medical billing software..support team..all people who have been again in this industry for years.

[Michele]

I actually have just met Jeff and have just been introduced to the NowMD software.  I must say, it is still early but I'm very impressed with the software, and Jeff's availability and willingness to answer questions and listen to suggestions.  We are using the NowMD as a demo in our new online billing course.  I have much experience over the years with many different softwares, Lytec, Medisoft, Perfectcare, Practice Today, and on and on.....  I've also worked with start up software companies so gurumedbill has a great point about being leary of start ups, but I agree with Linda and Merry that if you look at who is starting, in this case there is a ton of experience and success.  Also, the software itself does some things I have not seen in other softwares.  For the first time in 20 years, I'm seriously considering a transfer.  Which is a huge deal for me!  Anyway, there are many good ones out there but I didn't want you to dismiss NowMD based on the age of the company.  You must consider your needs, price, and the functionality of the software.

[gurumedbill]

Ok Thanks for the information. How long have you been in business ?
What other software is great?

I'm coming up on 15 years in the business.

[gurumedbill]

I actually have just met Jeff and have just been introduced to the NowMD software.  I must say, it is still early but I'm very impressed with the software, and Jeff's availability and willingness to answer questions and listen to suggestions.  We are using the NowMD as a demo in our new online billing course.  I have much experience over the years with many different softwares, Lytec, Medisoft, Perfectcare, Practice Today, and on and on.....  I've also worked with start up software companies so gurumedbill has a great point about being leary of start ups, but I agree with Linda and Merry that if you look at who is starting, in this case there is a ton of experience and success.  Also, the software itself does some things I have not seen in other softwares.  For the first time in 20 years, I'm seriously considering a transfer.  Which is a huge deal for me!  Anyway, there are many good ones out there but I didn't want you to dismiss NowMD based on the age of the company.  You must consider your needs, price, and the functionality of the software.

Of course he has to listen to suggestions and answer questions.  He has a software that is brand new and he has been out of the business for so long (well over 10 years) that he needs all the suggestions he can get.  Don't get me wrong, I hope their software ends up being awesome and it is so great that I want to switch but as of right now, the facts are these (since like Linda I think everyone needs the full picture):

• Jeff Ward stopped working for Medisoft around 2001 not too long after they were purchased by NDCHealth.  He has been doing pizza software and reporting software since then.  A lot has changed in the industry since then.
  
• They have no EMR
• They don't have an online option
• Michele and Merry have a vested interest in their program because they have some sort of partnership with NowMD because they use the program for their billing course.
• The program has been out less than a year.

Again, I really don't care what everyone uses I just think it is important that people know all the facts so they can make their best decision.  If you are comfortable with them then certainly give them a call and try them out.  I understand you can get a 10% discount for signing up as a member of the forum.
Essentially just do your research and get what you like best.

[Merry]

The software was being developed for a long time but could not be released until legally they could. We do have an interest in this software but we never would have chosen this for our course if we did not like it a lot. We had many choices.  This is not a one man shop by any means. Do you think that TotalMD or any other product is any different. TotalMD owned by David Arnett..from Lytec days.

Not need to argue here on the board. No, NowMD does not have EMR now but they will. They cost is low only $349 plus 10% off for people on the forum. You can download a demo at nowmd.com and if you don't like it, you don't have to purchase it. But let's keep this civil please.

[PMRNC]

    Jeff Ward stopped working for Medisoft around 2001 not too long after they were purchased by NDCHealth.  He has been doing pizza software and reporting software since then.  A lot has changed in the industry since then.

Not quite accurate at all.

   

They have no EMR

- I agree

   

They don't have an online option

- I agree again

 

  Michele and Merry have a vested interest in their program because they have some sort of partnership with NowMD because they use the program for their billing course.

I resent that and maybe they will be too polite to say so but I am not. I HAVE no vested interest at ALL.. we don't even have a discount arrangement with them. I HAVE known Jeff and I have seen his program. Also I know Michele and Merry, and everything on this forum is FREE information given with no bias or ulterior motive and yeah I resent the fact that you implied that. I have been doing this for over 20 years myself I know that you will not find MORE dedicated professionals out there than those 3!!!   

I agree everyone should do their research, we give our subscribers tips on how to review software and demo it in detail so that new billers KNOW what they need and want in a PM system. NEW billers get taken advantage of all the time and roped into those awful free software programs because they don't know what to look for.
 

[Michele]

• Michele and Merry have a vested interest in their program because they have some sort of partnership with NowMD because they use the program for their billing course.

Well we are using the program for the course, and we are a dealer but I didn't ask the person to buy from us.  I was only trying to give them a full picture.  I also recommended that they consider many things and pick a software good for their needs.  Since I didn't mention that we are dealers, if they did decide to go with NowMD I wouldn't have received anything which is fine with me.  I signed up as a dealer in order to use the software for demonstrating. 

• The program has been out less than a year.

True but again, I just wanted them to see the whole picture.

Essentially just do your research and get what you like best.

Best advice ever which was all I was trying to point out.  It is so important that you research your options, demo as many as you can, and get software that works for you, both in functionality and price.  I would never advise someone to just buy a software because someone else (like myself) was recommending it.  We all have different likes and needs.

[gurumedbill]

    Jeff Ward stopped working for Medisoft around 2001 not too long after they were purchased by NDCHealth.  He has been doing pizza software and reporting software since then.  A lot has changed in the industry since then.

Not quite accurate at all.

  Michele and Merry have a vested interest in their program because they have some sort of partnership with NowMD because they use the program for their billing course.

I resent that and maybe they will be too polite to say so but I am not. I HAVE no vested interest at ALL.. we don't even have a discount arrangement with them. I HAVE known Jeff and I have seen his program. Also I know Michele and Merry, and everything on this forum is FREE information given with no bias or ulterior motive and yeah I resent the fact that you implied that. I have been doing this for over 20 years myself I know that you will not find MORE dedicated professionals out there than those 3!!!   

I agree everyone should do their research, we give our subscribers tips on how to review software and demo it in detail so that new billers KNOW what they need and want in a PM system. NEW billers get taken advantage of all the time and roped into those awful free software programs because they don't know what to look for.
 

Alright, I'm sorry if I ruffled some feathers.  Let me make something very clear here...I don't care what software anyone uses.  I was just stating the facts, nothing else.  Linda, I never said you had a vested interest I just said Michele and Merry did.  If you want this to be an open and reliable forum I feel it is important for people to have as many facts as possible.  Getting a new software is a big step and people should know the facts which I've stated including the information about Jeff Ward which is completely accurate even though so you said it is not.