3 Reasons to Reconsider Simple Practice as your EHR
Reason 1: Do you want to DIY your Billing system?
As a solo private practice owner who had no prior billing experience, I felt like an absolute novice when it came time to take charge of billing insurances and managing an EHR. Would I pick the right one? Were billing services something I should even try to manage myself or should I outsource my billing to a “specialist”?
The first thing I noticed when I signed up for Simple Practice is how clearly they laid out the enrollment process for billing insurance panels directly. Literally, video tutorials, as well as articles with clear directions and photos laid out for me, “Step 1… Step 2… Step 3…” Could it really be that…simple?
Do you need help with Billing Insurance Panels on your own?
Eventually I did hit a bump in the road and couldn’t move forward in the steps. To be honest, I don’t even remember what it was that had me stuck. What I do remember is clicking their “help button,” and within minutes I was on a Zoom Call speaking with an incredibly friendly support staff who taught me how to move forward. The end result was a confidence in myself that I could really do this all on my own with their fast and reliable guidance.
However, if you would rather spend hours manually faxing or entering claims into provider portals with terrible customer service – Simple Practice is not for you. But if you are looking for straight forward, small, manageable steps and personalized service even in the most basic packages – Simple Practice will 100% deliver.
Reason 2: Are you a Master at Scheduling and Managing?
I am a Type A gal in many respects, but I can admit that sometimes I need a Reminder or Alarm to get things accomplished. I have a thorough spreadsheet that tracks when Treatment Plans are due, when it is time to send new assessments, and so on, but for the life of me, when it comes to actually do the review, I forget to look at that spreadsheet. I was always worrying I was going to miss a date and that my charts would fall out of compliance.
Simple Practice absolutely took this responsibility off my shoulders. Their reminder system provides a visual alert that a plan is ready for review, and I set up the system to automatically request assessments prior to appointments. Bonus, Simple Practice lets me know my client’s birthdays are coming up!
How do Solo Practices get started with Billing Insurance Panels?
Each individual insurance panel has their own procedure for accepting claims whether via fax or through their provider portal. Within the portals, each claim must be manually prepared, and submitted. The portals do not notify you when a claim has been denied, or requires more information, so you must create your own tracking system to make sure you are getting paid correctly.
Simple Practice makes client billing simple. With an easy to read, step by step guide, you will get the support you need to set your Fees and Rates, Invoice, and file Claims with the click of a Button - literally, you click one button and the system pulls the data from your calendar and charts, and submits the claims. Simple Practice then notifies you if any claims are denied, and can provide additional support if needed to resolve the issue.
If you are a master at scheduling and managing and this kind of support feels like an overbearing parent looking at your list of homework assignments, then move on to another EHR. However, if you would like to streamline your billing process and release the fear of losing money, Simple Practice will show up for you like a ride-or-die friend determined to make you a dependable solo practice owner and therapist.
Reason 3: You are hands-off when collecting client payments
For the past couple of years I have been managing my solo private practice with Simple Practice. With no formal training in billing or managing money, this EHR has made collecting payments from clients so easy. Simple Practice can work for large group practices, as well as solo private practices just like me.
Simple Practice automatically swipes the card each of my clients have placed on file for services every night. I don’t have to waste time at the end of session dealing with cash, check, or a card reader. A paid invoice is available for download or record keeping, and if the card bounces - you guessed it - I get a nice Reminder in the morning letting me know to request a new card from my client. My clients have loved this feature as it also allows them to use an FSA or HSA card to pay for services with ease.
Is Simple Practice EHR really for me?
Are you still wondering if Simple Practice is right for you? You’re not alone. These systems have a lot of going on, and compete with one another. I haven’t even explored all the other features my basic Simple Practice plan offers me, like growing my team and gaining admin assistance. I know as my private practice grows – Simple Practice will continue to grow with me.
Clearly, I’m a fan of Simple Practice for my Electronic Health Record. It’s why I’m offering you my referral code when you start your trial. There are a lot of EHRs and Billing providers out there for mental health private practices, both group and solo. All of them have their pros and cons, but I can honestly say that Simple Practice has been the best fit for me.
If you have any questions about my experience with Simple Practice – reach out! I’d be glad to support you however I can. When you’re ready, use my referral code and you’ll receive $150 off. That’s basically getting your first two months for free.
Being the therapist and the owner of your own private practice can be scary, but we don’t have to do it alone. In fact, I firmly believe we shouldn’t do it alone - Community is everything! I hope that my personal experience of Simple Practice serves you well as you make this next choice. Know that I’m rooting for you always and I wish you confidence as you build the business of your dreams!
