Finding the perfect practice software for your and your team's needs isn't that easy. After all, there are many different providers. The current Approval list for practice management systems of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians is six pages long and comprises 126 software solutions. The range of functions of the individual programs ranges from all-in-one software to practice software with only basic functions.
Do you need practice software?
Since choosing the right software takes a lot of time, many doctors ask themselves whether they need a practice management system at all. Of course, you don't necessarily have to integrate a software solution into your day-to-day practice. But the question is: Does this make sense in view of advancing digitalization? After all, the provision of electronic health records is already mandatory for doctors. The future of medical practice is undoubtedly digital.
But in addition to this pioneering aspect, it also makes sense for you as a doctor and your team to streamline work processes with software. Because regardless of whether you want to make appointments or accept a new patient, it all works much faster with the right digital support. In doing so, you are giving yourself, your practice team — and, of course, your patients — valuable time. This argument alone should be enough to opt for practice software and against time-consuming manual administration.
You should pay attention to this with practice software
The right practice software can therefore relieve you of a lot of work and give you and your staff valuable time. But only if the software fits into your practice processes and adapts to your needs. You should pay attention to these four criteria when choosing:
Practice size and specialist direction
For example, the size of the practice and the field of expertise are decisive for the software — because important functions can differ accordingly. Mobile access to the data in the software can also be important. For example, when you also make home visits.
range of functions
The range of functions is an important criterion. Because everything from all-in-one software to very specialized solutions is available here. You should be careful with software with too many options. This can make handling difficult. But of course, software with too few functions can be just as a hindrance. It is best if your software only has as many functions as you really need.
Connectivity options
Also make sure that all important interfaces are available. Such as:
- GDT interface (connection to medical devices)
- LDT interface (laboratory data transfer)
- KVDT interface (Billing Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians)
- GAD interface (billing of private patients)
Implementation price and monthly costs
Another important criterion is, of course, the price — and this can vary greatly. Anything between 100 and 4,000 euros is possible for implementation. The ongoing monthly costs for service and updates are usually in the range of 20 to 100 euros. However, there are sometimes big differences here depending on the range of functions.
5 practice software solutions compared
Nelly has put together five practice software solutions for various needs and disciplines:
The all-in-one tool: Medistar
The majority of practice software solutions available on the market are intended for universal use in medical practices for all disciplines — including Medistar. The software follows a modular structure. You can therefore decide for yourself which functions Medistar should include.
The software has been on the market since 1990 and one of the most used practice management systems in German medical practices. From practice controlling to documentation to practice organization, all desired functions — for all subject areas — are available. But this also means that the software is correspondingly extensively designed. Medistar offers a wide range of training courses, meaning that the software is probably unsuitable for small practices with lean processes.
Cost point: approx. 80 euros per month, implementation costs: approx. 3,700 euros
The software for large practices: Epicurus
Epicurus is also a very proven and frequently used software in medical practices. Like Medistar, the program is an all-in-one solution that has a modular structure. According to its website, Epicurus wants to address individual practices as well as community and large practices.
The range of functions also includes all features from which you, as a practice owner, can freely choose. From practice management to video consultations to statistics, every function can be implemented. The company was founded in Berlin in 1999 and is therefore slightly younger than the tried and tested Medistar. Nevertheless, the wealth of functions is so extensive that the software is more suitable for large practices.
Cost point: approx. 30 euros per month, implementation costs: from 450 euros
Practice software for psychotherapy: PsyPrax
If you're a psychotherapist and don't want to use traditional all-in-one software, you could also get one for your specialty. For example, PsyPrax, which was developed specifically for psychotherapists.
As with the first two software solutions, Psyprax offers a wide range of functions and is still easy to use for beginners. The software includes billing, documentation and practice management, as well as the evaluation and implementation of the psychological test procedure. In addition, there is even a special offer for practice founders.
Cost point: Only on request
Physiotherapy practice software: Henara
For physiotherapists, but also for other health professions such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, podiatry, etc., there is the Henara practice software. This app includes many helpful functions, such as appointment scheduling, billing and treatment documentation. In addition, the app also comes with voice input and an additional telephone assistant (for more than four calls per hour).
Compared to the “big veterans”, the practice software is still relatively young — Henara was only founded in 2014. The software therefore focuses more on digitization and mobility. All data is stored in the cloud and can therefore be viewed from any mobile device.
Cost point: approx. 21 euros per month, implementation costs: from 210 euros
Software for private practice: Pixelmedics
The Pixelmedics software, which specializes in managing private practices, is also still very young on the market. The software is modular, so that many functions such as appointment planners and statistics can be added depending on the desired scope. Of course, GOAE billing is also possible with the software.
The program is suitable for both smaller and larger private practices and for hospital doctors entitled to liquidation. Unsurprisingly, the software pays particular attention to business aspects such as analyses and cost estimates.
Cost point: approx. 50 euros per month, implementation costs: from 3,800 euros
All-in-one or specialized software?
All software solutions presented here have one thing in common: They want to be all-in-one software either for all medical practices or for specific disciplines. But especially when there are (too) many functions, the software quickly appears overloaded and therefore confusing.
And that's not all: Can so many different functions really be operated by one and the same software with consistently high quality? Especially when it comes to billing, you should rely on an expert in this area.
Settlement with Nelly's financial experts
You'd better rely on Nelly's experts. Nelly is software that digitizes and simplifies billing in medical practices. The cloud-based program has interfaces to all common practice management systems, so that the software fits seamlessly into your work processes. This guarantees that nothing will go wrong with billing, your practice staff will have intuitive software and your patients will finally pay quickly and smoothly. Wir advise you without obligation and free of charge to your individual case!
The personal names used in this article always refer equally to all persons. Dual naming and alternate names are omitted in order to improve readability.
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