Medical practices across the US have been conserving their resources during the last few years. But with the huge economic downturn pretty much behind us, physicians are reinvesting in their practices to increase operational efficiency and reduce expenses, and web-based medical billing software with integrated electronic medical records (EMR) is one way they are doing this. Kareo is a leading web-based medical billing software company that offers this powerful one-two combination – and even better, it’s free.

In years past, medical billing software and EMR software often needed to be purchased separately and stored on an in-office computer hard drive and dedicated server. The initial costs for this setup run well over $10,000 for an office with just two computer workstations, and annual software upgrades for billing software and EMR software can cost several thousands of dollars. However, many web-based medical billing software companies offer integrated EMR for much less, and you can use both systems with just a computer and a secure Internet connection. You and your employees can access your EMR system anytime, anywhere — even from home or your favorite coffee house.

EMR is the future, and the future is now.

Electronic medical records, also referred to as “electronic health records,” are used by many medical practices, hospitals, and insurance companies to keep track of patient information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 41.5% of all medical practices in the US are using full or partial EMR systems, not including systems dedicated exclusively for billing. President Obama has been pushing for EMR ever since he took office. “To improve the quality of our healthcare while lowering its cost, we will make the immediate investments necessary to ensure that, within five years, all of America’s medical records are computerized,”  Obama said in 2009 during a speech at George Mason University. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which was introduced two years ago, includes funding to promote the acquisition and use of EMR systems by medical practices and hospitals alike.

44,000 reasons to start using EMR.

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) is a key part of the ARRA that provides fantastic incentives to doctors who start using electronic medical records. Through the HITECH Act, every doctor who is using a certified EMR system as of this year (2011) is eligible to receive up to $44,000 in incentive payments from Medicare. Not surprisingly, this is motivating many doctors to incorporate EMR into their practices.

No more dealing with bulky patient files that consume office space.

As you know, the amount of paper medical records can increase to the point where you need multiple cabinets and/or extra office space to store them. In addition, having a massive amount of paper records also means more work for your employees, as they will need to spend time each day retrieving and filing charts. Lastly, paper medical records are at risk for loss or damage due to fire, flood damage or just being misfiled. With web-based EMR, this isn’t the case because all of your important patient information is stored securely on virtual servers.

The digital age of medical records means greater accuracy.

When you stop to think about it, the amount of paperwork that doctors are responsible for is truly astounding. Doctors take notes, write prescriptions and sign their names all day, every day, so it’s no wonder that their handwriting can be difficult to read. While it’s a longstanding joke that doctors write poorly, the potential consequences of this aren’t funny at all. Illegible patient records, progress notes and prescriptions can lead to medical errors and put patients’ lives at risk. Of course, this can also present a medical practice with serious legal issues.

With web-based EMR, all of your patient’s important health information can be entered easily and accurately on a desktop computer, laptop or wireless tablet. This helps improve patient care by preventing medical errors, prescription mistakes and unnecessary testing for second opinions, to name a few. Plus, web-based EMR allows patient records to be shared instantly between treating doctors. And more efficient and focused patient care can lead to better outcomes.

Pricing considerations: Traditional versus web-based EMR software.

The price for traditional EMR software can range anywhere from $2,000 to more than $50,000 depending on the number of providers. Installation and training are generally not included and will therefore require additional costs. For a more affordable and equally robust EMR system, look at web-based medical billing software companies that offer EMR as part of their services. You will be amazed at how cost-effective these two web-based technologies are, and how they can simplify every aspect of medical billing and medical records.  

Get the best of both worlds… for free!

Kareo goes the extra mile for its customers by offering them fully integrated EMR at no charge. That’s right, free EMR! When you sign up for one of Kareo’s subscription plans for just $149/month, you have the option of receiving a complimentary web-based EMR account with Practice Fusion, which was recently voted the number-one EMR system in customer satisfaction.

Web-based EMR can help improve your billing process.

Because web-based EMR allows you to input comprehensive and accurate patient data and notes, your medical coding and billing processes will improve dramatically. Accurate claims mean better collections and faster payment cycles. Kareo’s web-based medical billing software is an excellent option for your practice because its billing software works seamlessly with Practice Fusion’s EMR system.

Dr. Arthur Weinreb is a podiatrist and Kareo customer in New Rochelle, New York, whose practice is benefiting from this setup. “We recently switched to electronic health records through Practice Fusion, and from Practice Fusion we found the services of Kareo. We now submit our bills through Kareo, and our payments have been coming in very quickly,” said Dr. Weinreb.

Paul Bernard, owner of a medical billing service, said, “We assessed 7-8 medical billing software options. Far and away in terms of value, functionality and ease of use, Kareo was the best choice for us. I think Kareo as a platform in terms of connectivity and interface with Practice Fusion—the combination of those two make it in my mind one of the top platforms for the future.”

Start managing your patient files and billing better… today.

When you add web-based medical billing software with integrated EMR to your practice, you are taking your practice to the next level in terms of the way you enter and store important patient information. Web-based medical billing software with EMR can reduce your expenses and help improve your practice’s efficiency and productivity. This can have a positive effect on your bottom line and better position your practice for optimum growth and financial success.

Learn more about web-based medical billing software and EMR now.