What is the difference between opPractice and other Medical software?
opPractice was designed specifically for the O&P industry. Our lead developer was and still is an O&P practitioner. Because of this, opPractice performs all the typical practice duties in an intuitive, practitioner-centric manner. Most other DME and Medical Office software does not fit the needs of O&P Practitioners and O&P “features” might be added on but they are still applying Medical or DME philosophy to these “features”and they therefore do not ideally meet the needs of the O&P field.
What is the difference between opPractice and other O&P software?
opPractice differs from other “O&P” software in that the others systems are “Function” based systems. i.e. they are a system of separate functional modules connecting to one database. opPractice on the other hand is a “Workflow” based system, i.e. the actions of opPractice are intertwined in a logical, efficient way that allows the user to work at peak efficiency. There are two alternate “O&P” software systems, Futura and OPIE. Futura was not originally designed for O&P. It was designed for DME facilities and O&P was added on at a later date. OPIE is widely used in the O&P field but is very expensive and users feel trapped once they have made a large initial “investment”. O&P software typically has an “up-front” cost and a “monthly” cost. Users pay a large upfront cost to include setup and training and then a large monthly cost to include support and updates. However once users have become accustomed to using the software their need for support diminishes, nevertheless they still continue to be charged high monthly fees as if they are still using a lot of support. opPractice differs in that it is a DIY and pay-as you-go system. There are therefore NO startup costs and minimal monthly costs to cover hosting and VPN connections. You enter your startup information online and we provide you with detailed instructions for setup and use. If you get stuck, training and support are available as an add-on cost. Most of our long-term users spend no money on support.
Other O&P Software advertise that we are “purchasing” their software but I see that opPractice is a “subscription” service. What is the difference?
Our competitors may claim that you “own” the software but try stop paying their monthly fees! Without their monthly fees you have no support and no updates including none of the required updates to your database. O&P software typically has an “up-front” cost and a “monthly” cost and these two numbers should be used to compare pricing. opPractice does NOT charge you a start-up cost and only charges you for your actual hosting and connection (VPN license) fees, thereby keeping the cost of opPractice to an absolute minimum. Please refer to the Pricing Comparison page to compare opPractice pricing with other O&P software pricing.
Who is opPractice NOT suitable for?
We feel the processes in opPractice are fairly self explanatory and we provide access to training videos and manuals. However because it is a DIY system, opPractice will not work for a company that is not tech savvy or at least doesnt have any employee in the company who is Tech savvy. Also if you are a company that prefers a lot of personal support and training then opPractice might not be for you.
If opPractice is free, how can you stay in business?
opPractice does not make a profit, it is offered to users effectively at cost only. When subscriptions do not meet the costs of running opPractice, it is supported by its owner, Gez Bowman CO and his clinical practice. We have developed streamlined systems that minimize costs. Any monthly payments you make helps to the cost of HIPAA cloud hosting your data and files, your connection fees (VPN maintenance fees) and basic software updates. We therefore keep your on-going costs to a minimum. Our biggest competitors carry large support staff and have huge marketing budgets. Up to 50% of users costs for software can sometimes be attributed to marketing and advertising costs (have you seen all those full page color ads!). And 90% of their budget is paying for Support staff + Marketing! We separate out support and training so that you only have to pay for what you use.
How easy will it be to set up and use opPractice?
If you are already using practice management software then it should be very easy. The processes are very intuitive and you will find the work flow is much smoother than your current software. If you do not currently use practice management software it may take a little time to get accustomed to entering all your information in the computer rather than writing things down. Setting up typically involves entering your data using the [Try opPractice] feature on this website, installation of the application on your computers and signing up for OfficeAlly EDI Clearinghouse (also free). After entering your data we set up your database and send you a link to download the application. Other services such as data import and training are available as needed and are charged at $40 per 20 mins. Because opPractice data and files are cloud based, it is much simpler to set up than most software applications. Alternate applications that use local servers require the purchase of high end server computers, back up systems, ventilation/cooling systems and security systems.
Can I import my current data into opPractice?
If you can export the data from your existing software in an importable format (such as csv files), then it maybe can be imported into opPractice. Some users have successfully transferred patient demographic information into opPractice. We usually recommend users continue to run their old software concurrently for a period of time for A/R and A/P purposes and then start fresh with opPractice. However please note that import services are an add-on service that are charged at our training/support rates of $60 per 30 mins. The complexity of an import varies depending on the export functionality of your current software. An import on average requires about 15 hours.
Can I submit my claims electronically with opPractice?
Absolutely. EDI billing is seamlessly built into opPractice. opPractice generates 5010 claim files that can be uploaded to any EDI clearinghouse to send claims electronically to your payers. However we recommend OfficeAlly which is a free Clearinghouse service.
Can I continue to use my current EDI clearinghouse?
Probably. In addition to OfficeAlly, we have also had users who use Zirmed and Capario/Change. opPractice generates an ANSI 5010 claim file that is theoretically easily uploaded to any clearinghouse.
Is opPracticeICD-10 compliant?
Yes. opPractice is compliant with all government regulations including ICD-10.
Is using opPractice HIPAA compliant?
Yes. opPractice is compliant with all government regulations and generates HIPAA compliant 5010 claim files. Our current Cloud Server provider is HIPAA certified with all the necessary security protocols in place. In addition we have a built in HIPAA and Compliance module to help you achieve compliance in all aspects of your business.
What are the HIPAA security standards and how is opPractice compliant?
In addition to the usual HIPAA administrative requirements, O&P facilities have to adhere to the 36 security rules. A lot of this relates to data storage and data access. We have reviewed these security standards and designed opPractice for compliance and we provide recommendations to users on how best to be compliant with all 36 standards. In addition, new rules implemented in 2013 extend the HIPAA rules to Business Associates and also strengthens the ability of HHS to vigorously enforce the HIPAA privacy and security protections.
Can I use opPractice on my iPad or tablet?
Yes, but only through the use of Remote Access apps connecting to your desktop. This way you can use opPractice on your iPad or Android tablet. Remote desktop software runs better when the desktop computer is a powerful computer, preferably with at least a quad core processor. However there is some question in the industry as to whether Remote desktop connection is HIPAA compliant and we therefore recommend using Windows 10/11 tablets if using a tablet outside of your local network. with a Windows 10/11 tablet you can install a full version of opPractice and the VPN client and therefore do not need to remotely connect to your desktop. In addition Windows 10/11, as well as being suitable for touch input, is better for pen input than an iPad. Windows tablets typically come in 10.1 inch or 11.6 inch sizes. While 10.1 inch is easier to transport, 11.6 inch is a little more functional.
Is opPractice paperless?
Chart-less Yes, paperless No. opPractice offers different ways to run your practice. Some users continue to use paper charts but we encourage you to use electronic charts and do away with traditional paper charts. Some of our forms are currently printed and scanned/attached to the chart. However we partner with opClinical.com to provide paperless forms.
Can Practitioners do their Progress Notes on the computer?
Yes and this is the recommended method. Practitioners type their notes on their computer. They have unlimited amount of time to start a note but only have until 1.5 days after starting to write the note to complete it. After that it is locked. They can however still add an addendum to the note.
Can I do my evaluations and measurements directly on a laptop or tablet?
Currently opPractice requires eval and measurement forms be printed, completed, and scanned to attach to the patient chart. Users have the option to sign up for opClinical where Evaluations and Measurements can be done online and saved as pdfs for attaching to opPractice.
If I subscribe now, how much does it cost for upgrades and Updates?
Once you start subscribing to opPractice you are entitled to all updates/upgrades free of charge.
Can opPractice be used for rentals?
opPractice includes only very basic rental billing capability. opPractice was designed for O&P, therefore if you are primarily a DME provider, it is not the best software choice.
How do we update our State Medicare and Medicaid Prices?
Medicare prices are automatically updated for you at the start of each new year. All other fee schedules including Medicaid are done by the user. We have an import feature that allows you to import pricing from a csv file.
Does opPractice have a Help button?
Yes, on the Menu Bar there is a Help button with links to resources (Manual, Knowledge Base, FAQs, Videos) to find your answer.
