5 Essential Elements of a Strong Behavioral Health Billing Software
Behavioral health billing is an important but often complex process for healthcare providers and organizations. To help streamline billing procedures and ensure accuracy, many providers are turning to behavioral health billing software solutions. But not all software solutions are created equal. If you’re considering investing in this software, it’s important to understand the essential elements of a strong software solution. In this blog, we’ll explore the five key indicators that make up robust behavioral health billing software and why they matter. Read on to learn more!
1.Easy-to-Use Interface
The first essential element of behavioral health billing software is an easy-to-use interface. The platform should be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing healthcare providers to quickly and easily locate patient information. Additionally, the software should include helpful features like easy navigation and clear instructions to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
For instance, in the case of behavioral health and addiction treatment providers, the software should include features that simplify the review of the services provided and the codes assigned. This could include pre-loaded diagnosis codes tied to an appointment type or an encounter type and allow for upcoding or downcoding. Having an accurate and up-to-date charge master is critical as well, and connecting all this behind the scenes when a claim is created, turns a biller into a reviewer vs. a doer.
The software should also seamlessly integrate with an all-payer clearinghouse, like Availity, that has direct connections to most medical insurance payers and all of their plans. Knowing the key billing features can help providers choose the best software and get up to speed quickly.
2.Comprehensive Coverage
Strong behavioral health billing software features should narrow the acceptable billing codes so that a provider does not choose the wrong diagnosis that is not billable. This means that the system should cover all major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as state-specific MCOs. The software should also be updated regularly, or at least annually, to ensure compliance with the latest billing codes and standards.
In order to ensure accuracy, comprehensive EHR/RCM software should allow providers to cross-check billing codes against existing records. This type of system can help healthcare providers avoid costly mistakes that could lead to denied claims or delayed reimbursements. Additionally, a comprehensive EHR/RCM software solution will provide additional features, such as financial reports and productivity reports, for greater transparency and accountability.
3.Robust Analytics and Reporting
A strong behavioral health billing software seamlessly integrated within the clinical EHR should include robust analytics and reporting features. This type of software will provide healthcare providers with valuable insights into their clinical programs and levels of care, attendance and inpatient residential census, and more, but also their billing operations, such as staff productivity, seasonal fluctuations, and other metrics.
The analytics and reporting capabilities of the software should be customizable to meet the needs of individual programs and services. The system should also provide a detailed breakdown of patient payments and other financials. This feature is made easier with integrated merchant services built in. Co-pays, balances due, and patient payments are all viewable to make informed decisions.
4.Flexible Payment Options
Another essential element of strong behavioral health billing software is flexible payment options. The software should include features that allow providers to easily accept payments from a variety of sources, including credit cards, checks, and electronic transfers. The system should also be able to securely store sensitive information such as credit card numbers, especially for recurring payments.
In addition, the software should include features that allow providers to set up automatic payments. This type of system can help ensure that patients pay on time and keep an organization’s accounts receivable up to date. Automated payment processes also reduce the time and effort required from providers to manage their billing operations.
5.Secure Data Storage
Finally, strong behavioral health billing software should include secure data storage. This means that the system must encrypt patient health information (PHI) at rest and in transit to protect it against unauthorized access. The system should also be regularly updated to ensure compliance with the latest data security standards.
Having secure data storage, as in Microsoft Azure’s private cloud network, is essential for protecting patient and payment information from hackers or other malicious actors. Providers should also make sure that their software provider is compliant with HIPAA and other relevant regulations for added security.
How Can AZZLY Help?
At AZZLY®, we understand the importance of having strong behavioral health billing software along with the security and privacy so critically needed today. That’s why we have developed a comprehensive software solution to address the elements discussed for behavioral health and addiction treatment facilities. Our software is designed to make life easier for all parties involved – from office management through to revenue cycle management and electronic medical records – AZZLY’s software provides a one-stop solution to all your patient administrative requirements.
Our healthcare billing software helps streamline the entire process of managing payments and patient data. The various aspects of care are linked, making it easier to combine meeting clinical needs with meeting record-keeping and billing requirements. Our user-friendly software makes it quick and easy to access up-to-date information, eliminating the need for multiple software, paperwork, and manual processes.
In addition, our software is customizable to your needs – from in-patient detox facilities, partial hospitalization, and residential services to MAT and outpatient programs and services. The software can be tailored to suit your requirements. Lastly, our software can potentially lead to an increase in revenue for your organization and a reduction in labor costs, resulting in a direct impact on your bottom line.
Let’s Start a Conversation
Now that you know more about the elements of a strong behavioral health billing software, you may be interested in learning more about how AZZLY can help. To learn more, speak with one of our healthcare professionals and secure time with your Regional Account Manager’s calendar here. We are also available to answer questions any time at hello@azzly.com or 1 (888) 400-3201. Get in touch with us today, and let’s start a conversation. We look forward to hearing from you!
