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- Graphic User Interface - The data entry screens for
support files, patient demographics, appointment scheduler, claims
inspector, and collections list are well laid out and easy to read.
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Patient history, transaction entry, and payment entry screens have very
small text boxes, buttons, and lots of detail fit onto one screen. While
it is helpful to have all information in one window, it is still very
busy to look at. It is not a deal breaker, just something to get used,
and it certainly has an impact on the learning curve.
- Navigation around the software is not as easy as other software we have used. This is especially the case if you are manually entering charges (as opposed to the provider pushing charges through from superbill entry. Certain processes are fairly pretty mouse driven as opposed to key stroke combinations. One thing I really don't like is that you must enter a four digit year on all date entry.
- Patient Scheduler - AdvancedMD has a very sophisticated patient
scheduler. Dates, times, and appointment
intervals are customizable by provider. Time can be blocked out or held
as needed. Multiple views are available by day,
week, and month, appointments can be color coded by reason. Patients can
be easily checked in and superbills printed.
Patient copays are posted through the scheduler and receipts printed.
The user can choose the appropriate authorization and referring provider
for the visit.
- The best feature in the scheduler, and in the software in general, is the integration of the scheduler with charge entry.
Charges can be quickly entered because a list of patients is pulled from the scheduler. This feature is a great audit tool
because it provides an automatic reconciliation of charges to patients seen.
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Demographics/Support Files/Insurance Entry - In patient
demographics, you can search for patients in a wide variety of ways.
There is an automatic zip code feature. Custom fields can be created and
used in reports. The software supplies automatic CPT and diagnosis code
updates. The charge codes can be classified by type for better reporting
and inventory is available. You can set up multiple charge and
insurance allowed amounts by financial class. Insurance carrier history
is stored by date.
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You cannot set defaults
for demographic entry. Other than financial class, there are no
additional fields to categorize
patients that can be used for reporting through filters. In some areas,
the software requires more use of the mouse than I would like, however,
the repetitive functions like posting charges and payments use keyboard
commands.
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Transaction Entry and Patient Ledger- AdvancedMD is an extremely efficient system if the provider and office
staff participate in the billing process. At a minimum, if the scheduler is used properly, transaction entry and payment
posting works smoothly. The ledger is color coded to reflect charges, payments, and adjustments. Insurance payment posting
is driven by visit number and when allowed amounts are set up properly, this process goes quickly. Adding notes and
documentation is very good throughout the program.
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Working in the ledger requires a fair number of screen changes if you have to unapply and reapply payments and
adjustments or transfer amounts to/from insurance or patient responsibility.
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Claims Processing is where this software shines because the
integration with Change Healthcare clearinghouse is seamless. In the Claims
Manager module, the claims are reviewed by the biller, inspected for
errors, rejected claims reprocessed, and clearinghouse reports reviewed.
Electronically rebilling claims is also very easy. Paper claims are
generated through Microsoft Word, therefore, they can be edited prior to
printing. The program offers several levels of edits. Insurance edits
check for invalid policy numbers and such. CCS (Correct Coding
Initiative) edits check for errors in CPT, diagnosis codes, modifiers,
etc.
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If you process all
claims electronically (set up the system to have the clearinghouse print your
paper claims), then the system is very efficient. Billing paper claims
in bulk also works fine. However, billing paper claims individually is a
slow process. Personally, I like the flexibility to easily print one
claim at a time, especially if it enables me to clear paperwork off my
desk. I also don't like the fact that I have to close the day before
processing claims. This creates problems when two users are working at
separate locations and have to attach notes or referrals to paper
claims.
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Electronic Remittance Processing - Electronic remittance is a
seamless process. Remittance files are automatically populated in the
Remittance Processing module and can be easily posted.
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Deposit Entry/Insurance Payment Application A payment made at the time of service can be easily processed
through the scheduler and then it will be automatically applied to the charge when it is entered. This is a great feature.
Because claims are created by visit, it is easy to post insurance payments. By entering the visit number from the EOB,
the correct date of service is selected automatically. The payments will be distributed for you if the allowed amounts
are set up correctly.
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Statements can be handled electronically or printed on paper and they look very professional. You can prevent
statements from printing for a patient, add notes, use cycle billing, and set up collections rules to generate dunning
messages and collections letters.
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Statement management is
very powerful but it is also complex and requires extensive training.
It is important to use great care when setting up statement rules. If
you plan to send statements electronically, I recommend generating paper
statements first, until you are confident that the setup is correct.
- Collections - If you like a completely paperless system, then
AdvancedMD is a good choice for you. The Collections List is a
completely automated online aging process. Collections work is assigned
by user. The list is recalculated daily based on followup date so
collections are handled much more efficiently. In addition, the system also has a Denial Tracking List. You can
easily post EOBs and place denied claims in a hold category to be
researched later.
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Reports - There are a wide variety of reports in AdvancedMD and
the data can be downloaded for use with
Microsoft Access if more complex reports are required. The program has a
period close feature which allows you to run
"locked down" reports for previous time frames. Also, the system can
generate reports that reflect reimbursements for a specific time period.
Providers often like this type of information.
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Despite the number of great reports, there are limitations on filtering of data which I find very frustrating. If there is a report you really need, you have to pay AdvancedMD for customization or download your data and use Microsoft Access to generate the report you want which requires considerable programming skills.
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Security - As you would expect with an online program, the system
security is very good. User access can be restricted by feature and
then, by activity within each feature.
You can run production reports by user, check the audit trail, or verify
user entry in order to see what is really happening within the office.
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Accounting - AdvancedMD has batch capability, stores history, and
has a period close feature. These strong accounting features make it an
excellent choice for multi-provider practices. Read about batch vs.
real time processing in the review of Medisoft. See how this feature affects your practice or billing service.
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Interoffice Messaging - One of the features I really like is the
ability to send tasks back and forth to other users. This is especially
handy when you are off-site. In addition, tasks can be used as reminders especially for follow up on authorizations.
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System Performance/Technical Issues - The software has very good
performance and speed. If you have many simultaneous users (over 10),
you may want to think about getting a T1 line. The service is very
reliable. I have been using it for five years and have had only four
hours of downtime due to a network problem.
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Training - AdvancedMD is very complex software with lots of features so it takes a
long time to become proficient even using the basic features. It is
intuitive in some areas but not in
others. It is helpful to have office staff that is tech savvy and detail
oriented.Training is long and expensive.
- Technical Support - Over time, technical support has been generally very good for most issues with the exception of more complex issues related to reports and Word document templates.
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