Medical coding is all about making systems run smoother, faster and more efficiently so that money flows in to a facility and healthy patients flow out. That’s why it’s so important that you work with the best software programs for medical coding. Of course, each different type of job is going to require different software, so depending on which type of coding you’re doing (e.g. inpatient care providers, outpatient care providers, cash-heavy providers, outsourced billing services, integrated suite buyers, etc.), there’s a top software program made specifically for your needs.
Popular Medical Coding Software
Regardless of which program you ultimately choose, each have strong points with certain professional coders and weak points with others. Use this article as a reference to getting started in finding the right program for you. Here’s a look at some of the most popular programs being used today:
SpeedECoder
One of the most powerful and useful search tools for medical coders of all kinds, SpeedECoder puts all the standard ICD-9, ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding manuals right at your fingertips. Plus, this program comes with the SpeedESpeller – a spell check tool that has all the proper medical and coding terms that an average spell check would miss, as well as an interactive search term suggestion tool.
Depending on whether you want to use SpeedECoder for the office, academic, education or enterprise settings, the pricing differs per package. For instance, the office version is $199.95 per user, per year, and students currently enrolled in medical coding and billing programs pay only $99.95 per year. SpeedECoder offers a free 14 day trial and online training with each package.
SuperCoder
One of the most affordable online choices for medical coding and billing software, SuperCoder provides you with CPT and ICD-9 coding tools as well as reference services which start at just $14.95. SuperCoder provides their customers with illustrated guides, specialty libraries and fee scheduling tools. Other great products that you can tack on to the package include the “SuperScrubber” tool which reduces the occurrence of insurance denials while maximizing reimbursement.
ACS Coding Today
ACS does jump up in price when compared to SuperCoder ($349 per year, $79 each additional user) and SpeedECoder ($199.95 office per year, $99.95 student). Just like SpeedECoder offers a 14 day free trial, ACS offers a free 30 day trial to test run their program. One of the main attractions for ACS users is that the CPT Assistant offers 17 years of newsletters complete with in-text links to codes within the articles. This program is definitely more for a cash-heavy practice.
EncoderPro
Another medical coding program that offers a 30-day free trial, EncoderPro offers three different levels of software, making it a flexible tool for coders of all types:
- EncoderPro Online: An online ICD-9-CM, CPT and HCPCS Level II coding application ($299 per year).
- EncoderPro Professional Online: Real-time code lookup of ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes. Also includes Medicare and commercial payment and coding information ($549 per year).
- EncoderPro Expert Online: Real-time code lookup of ICD-9-CM, CPT and HCPCS Level II codes. Also includes editing tools which increase accuracy while helping to maintain compliance ($999 per year).
Making the Move to Online Software
As you probably noticed, the industry is reflecting the turn towards online medical coding software from PC-installed software. This allows work to be done from remote locations (including home) and from multiple workstations at once. Plus, due to the constant changes and updates to ICD and CPT medical billing codes, online applications are far more efficient when it comes to updating software. With PC medical coding software, installation issues and higher costs can become a real problem.
Choosing The Right Program
Unfortunately, there is no “best” software program that will fit every medical coder’s needs equally. Your best bet is to try a few different applications that meet your requirements.