Choosing the right software for your office can be a difficult one considering the extensive number of vendors offering applications. Just because a specific software application is popular among chiropractors, doesn’t necessary mean it’s the best for your office. Keep in mind that when it comes to Chiropractic billing software, they are not all created equal.

Advances in technology have led to considerable improvements in the features and functionality of chiropractic billing applications. Many of the newer companies have developed their systems from the ground up and incorporated these newer technologies into their products, Many of the older generation software applications are trying to play catch up or choose to not implement these technologies into their product due to cost or product stability.

One of the most interesting and important developments in recent years has been the addition of electronic medical records (EMR) to many chiropractic software applications. EMR systems lie at the center of any computerized health information system, including that of a Chiropractor. The paperless, interoperable, multi-provider, multi-specialty, multi-discipline computerized medical record has been a goal for healthcare professionals for years is now a reality. EMR capability should be considered when purchasing your next practice management software.

What you may have noticed in your search for Chiropractic billing software is that it has become increasingly more difficult these days to find vendors offering dedicated billing software. Most companies are now offering billing modules as part of their chiropractic practice management systems. This helps to save the chiropractic office a considerable amount of time as charges, appointments and notes can be entered simultaneously.

For chiropractors who are reluctant or cannot afford to purchase billing software for their office, there is always the option of using an online billing system. Online billing systems tend to have lower front end costs as they do not require the purchase or installation of any special software. The doctor’s office is simply charged a monthly fee to utilize the web-based billing software. Monthly fees can range from $100 – $300 depending on the exact needs of your office. There may also be a set-up or activation fee associated with the service. The problem with online billing software is that you never actually own the software and could end up spending several thousand dollars over the course of a few years.

There are an increasing number of medical software providers attempting to “cash-in” on the chiropractic industry. Many of these medical software vendors try to disguise their product and websites to appear as if they only serve the chiropractic profession, when in reality they sell to every medical specialty willing to purchase their product. Chiropractic billing procedures and coding are much different than those used by medical professionals. For this reason alone, it’s probably best to stick with a company specializing in chiropractic billing software.