To streamline the day to day operations of your medical practice, medical practice management (MPM) software is a great choice. While big names like Medisoft, Lytec, and Altapoint may get your attention, it's important not to make your decision based on the brand names. Here's how to compare MPM software.

Is it MPM you need – or EMR?
Before committing to an MPM purchase, make sure you're heading down the right path. MPM software provides many benefits for back office work: billing, patient demographics, and reporting. However, they don't handle patient charts and records.

To computerize your patient charts, you'll need electronic medical records (EMR) software. If you plan to use both MPM and EMR, it's essential to make sure the two work together. Medisoft and other leading providers should be able to connect directly to your EMR system, eliminating the need for any duplicate data entry.

Compare Medisoft and other MPM software
Medisoft is one of the most popular MPM systems out there – used by over 70,000 practices, according to the Medisoft web site. While a large installed base is a good characteristic to look for when choosing MPM software, it shouldn't be the deciding factor. Before choosing Medisoft, Medical-Manage, or any other well-known system, take the time to evaluate several aspects of the software.

Most important is ease of use. Your billing clerks other office personnel should be comfortable navigating through the software's various menus, screens, and reports. The benefits of MPM software come from improved efficiency and accuracy, but if your staff has to puzzle through using the new software, you won't see those benefits.

You'll also need to compare features. Leading MPM software like Medisoft offers an overwhelming list of features, reports, and options, so prepare by deciding what features are most important to you. Here are some examples:

• Appointment scheduling – can you do everything you need to book patients, physicians, exam rooms, doctors, and nurses? Are the printable schedules easy to read?
• Billing – does the software work with your existing clearinghouse? Well-known brands like Medisoft should be able to accommodate your existing payment methods.
• Error checking – can the software help you catch and correct errors in coding and billing before you submit claims for payment?

The importance of dealers
Buying a high-end MPM software package like Medisoft isn't a one-time purchase. Your day-to-day activities will depend on the software, so it's essential to buy from a source that can provide top-quality support when you need it.

You'll be buying from an authorized reseller who will be responsible for installation, training, and support. Make sure they're experienced with installations of the software you choose: many software resellers work with several brands of MPM software, so if you choose Medisoft, make sure that the dealer isn't primarily focused on Lytec or Altapoint.

Ready to start comparing MPM software and dealers? Submit a free request for medical software quotes and we'll connect you with leading providers in your area.