Top 8 Features for Choosing best practice management software for therapists

In today's fast-paced world, therapists are inundated with tools and technologies to streamline their work processes. The Electronic Health Record (EHR) software is a necessary tool for your practice, but with many choices available, it's hard to choose the best practice management software for your needs. Picking the right one is a daunting task so I created this short list of must-have features to help you make the right choice.

If I were in the market for the best practice management software for therapists, I wouldn't choose one based on pricing alone. Instead, I would approach it from the productivity perspective and ask myself: "Which software will make my life easier?"

After reviewing a large number of EHR software out there, I feel comfortable recommending Simple Practice for its versatility*, customer service, and robust library of resources.

But even if you don't pick Simple Practice, here are the 8 features that you should consider when picking an EHR software for your therapy practice:

Scheduling: Opt for software that includes robust scheduling features and appointment reminders. Efficient scheduling tools can help therapists manage their time effectively and reduce no-show rates.

Billing: Look for EHR software that offers comprehensive billing and invoicing functionalities. Streamlining the billing process can save you time and ensure that you're are reimbursed accurately for their services.

Beware of instant payment apps like Venmo and Zelle. They are not HIPAA-compliant and can cause harm to your practice in the future.

Documentation: Prioritize EHR software that is fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Data security and patient confidentiality are paramount in therapy practice, making HIPAA compliance a non-negotiable feature. Pick a platform that helps you streamline all your documentation safely.

Insurance: If your practice accepts insurance, consider software that helps you file primary and secondary insurance claims quickly and hassle-free.

Telehealth Support: In today's digital age, telehealth has become a common practice among therapists. Choose an EHR software that supports telehealth features, enabling therapists to conduct remote sessions effortlessly.

User-friendly Client Portal: Find software that offers a user-friendly client portal where you can centralize your client communication.

Mobile Friendly: In today's day and age, people use their mobile phones for most aspects of their lives, including doctors' appointments. Select software that can handle everything from scheduling to billing on an app. This reduces miscommunication and potential friction for your clients.

Measurement-Based Care: Look for EHR software that can save you time with automated sending, scoring and interpretations.

Of course, as technology evolves features like AI capability become important as well. And although this is the possible future of note-taking and other non-billable work shortcuts, I recommend focusing on the 8 features I described above for picking an EHR platform.

*Please note that REdD Strategy is affiliated with Simple Practice and receives a commission from the vendor (at no cost to you) when you use this link to sign up.