This category of software allows you to do billing, but almost nothing else. It allows you to prepare and print a HCFA, and that's about all. There is no tracking of the receivable, this must be done with other software. You can use products like QuickBooks...or even Quicken...but obviously the two systems are not integrated. Also, knowledge of how to prepare the Hcfa is essential.

This software is suitable only for incidental insurance billing by single practitioners and very small practices...that are using accounting software to track the receivables...and do family billings.

"Helper" kind of software

Designed to "help"...has lots of attractive and affordable features. This kind of software is promoted as simple to use. Indeed, it is simple to use. The problem is that it is also simple to make mistakes. Users can make thousands of mistakes...and the software doesn't care a whit!

This kind of software lacks structure...and rules, to guide novice users. The structure and the rules must come from the user. For instance, as the software doesn't do much error-checking, the user must devise little systems to check his work.

There is also a lot of redundant data-entry associated with this kind of software. Clients are entered multiple times...policies must be re-entered for each family member. The same address could be entered 5 to 10 times! All this makes maintenance of the data an almost impossible task. Data is often an indecipherable mess.

If you're looking for "easy-to-use" software...that will not constrain you in any way, this is it! We think most practices are better served by software that guides the user...and limits the amount of data he must maintain. Sometimes what looks simple is not very simple...but, in fact, is very difficult.

High-end practice-management software

We have a lot of respect for this kind of software. Like Summit-Edge, it's usually comprehensive, integrated and powerful. Still, even this software has some significant disadvantages:

1. It tends to be very expensive. Typically, it is marketed to very large practices...with big pockets...that feel like they need something elaborate.
2. It is often difficult to use. It is very difficult for programmers to cram all those powerful features in an easy-to-use package. So, the interface will leave you glass-eyed.
3. As it is often difficult to use, it's also expensive to support and maintain. Annual software maintenance fees tend to be high.
4. As it is often difficult to use, the success of the system usually hinges on the capabilities of the office manager. Be prepared to budget plenty of money for office management...to assure that the system works smoothly.

Having said all that, we do feel that high-end practice-management software has its place. Certainly, if your practice has more than 20 therapists, it deserves a close look. We just feel that if you're sitting on the borderline, you might want to hesitate. The high-end solution comes at a high price, in more ways than one.

Note: A network version of Summit-Edge is scheduled for release on 1/1/05.

Summit-Edge

Summit-Edge is in a special category. We genuinely feel that you get better than the best of both worlds:

1. It has the power and features of high-end systems. Actually, it has many features that the high-end systems lack. So, we won't back down in a feature-for-feature software comparison with high-end systems.
2. It is significantly easier to use than the "helper" kind of packages. Because Summit-Edge has structure...and does a lot of error-checking, it takes just a little bit longer to learn...but once learned life for the billing person is wonderfully easy.

In summary, here is how we think you should select your software:

• If you're a single-practitioner just getting started, and want to do your own billing, start with Summit-Edge. It might cost you just a little more...and take a few hours longer to learn, but the benefits are great. It'll be a lot easier and faster to use...and you'll never outgrow it. You'll also be able to get additional help through our Software-Plus program.
• If you are a small or medium-size practice, Summit-Edge is your clear choice...great features...easy-to-use...dozens of time-saving tools...all kinds of help...and best of all, affordable.
• If you have 15-20 therapists, resist the temptation to jump into expensive high-end software. You'll gain networking, but you'll sacrifice productivity...and the cost will be very high. A better choice is to put your staff in overdrive, with Summit-Edge. By the time you really need networking, Summit-Edge will be available in a network version.
• If you have more than 20 therapists...and you're growing fast...and your present system is totally inadequate...then, it's probably time to bite the bullet and purchase a network solution. We recommend "S.O.S. Office Manger" from Synergistic Office Solutions.

Copyright 2003, Summit-Edge, Inc.