In this episode, Gordon speaks with Brad Pliner, the CEO, and Founder of TherapyNotes. Brad discloses his background and what inspired him to start TherapyNotes. Then, we learn why clinicians who use TherapyNotes will pass an audit with flying colors. Brad explains the benefits of keeping notes in an electronic health record system and how security is the top priority of TherapyNotes. TherapyNotes even keeps backups for your records, so Brad suggests ditching the paper record keeping method altogether. Later, Brad and Gordon discuss using EHR with insurance panels and the way TherapyNotes has streamlined the process of submitting a claim.
Meet Brad Pliner
Brad Pliner is the CEO and co-founder of TherapyNotes, LLC. He graduated with his Master’s
Degree in Computer Science from Drexel University. Shortly after Drexel, Brad launched Pliner Solutions, Inc., which provided custom web application development and IT consulting services, including to several clients in the healthcare industry. Later, upon recognizing a market need for good practice management and electronic medical records solution for behavioral health, he started TherapyNotes with his wife, psychologist Debra Pliner, Ph.D. TherapyNotes quickly became the leading practice management software for behavioral health therapists, counselors, and psychologists.
The Golden Thread
When Brad did web development, he got to learn about lots of different types of industries. Now he knows all about what it means to be a therapist and run a practice. TherapyNotes caters to smaller private practices. Most psychologists and therapists do not like the business side of private practice. Gordon’s favorite thing about TherapyNotes is the to-do list, it helps him to ensure his notes get completed. People get audited all the time; when they are using TherapyNotes, they pass with flying colors. What was on your claim will match exactly what is on your notes. You cannot submit a claim unless you write the notes first. Features like automatically copying information from prior notes make writing them a breeze. Clinicians can type up progress notes in about four or five minutes using this tool.
Electronic Health Record Systems
If you wait too long, it will be difficult to adjust to EHR. As you grow your practice, you can then utilize the additional features TherapyNotes has such as automatic calendar reminders. Brad suggests immediately starting with an electronic health record system. Documenting and storing your records in a HIPAA compliment matter is essential to keep your systems in place and ensure proper payments are being made. The sooner, the better!
Insurance Panels & EHR
You do not have to be in network with an insurance company to submit claims. Even if you are out of network and you want to help your clients get reimbursed sooner, Brad suggests using online claims. In TherapyNotes it will tell you whether or not enrollment is required, they will get you the forms you need at no additional charge. Many insurance companies do not require any enrollment and will accept claims immediately. TherapyNotes has billing partners they work with and they are very familiar with the platform.
Do you need backup records?
With every one of their clients, TherapyNotes makes sure the records are safe and will notify the client if there is a problem. Brad suggests that clinicians do not keep separate records because it will be another item on their plate that they will have to keep HIPAA compliant. TherapyNotes keeps their own backups in multiple locations to make sure if there is a significant disaster that all the records will still be safe.
Appointment Reminders
Patients can request appointments, cancellations, or adjustments for the clinician. Just because a patient requests an appointment, does not mean they are booked. The clinician will approve it or either call or work it out with the client. Appointment reminders are a feature of the platform that their clinicians love. A robotic voice will call their clients and remind them of their appointments. The cost of this is easily offset because you will be reducing your no-shows. Integrated credit card processing assists with no shows as well. No one wants to come in for therapy and then have to deal with the payment, that is another reason to get your client’s credit card information on file.
Being transparent… Some of the resources listed below are affiliate links. This simply means we receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you use the links to make a purchase. Thanks for using the links!
Brad’s Resources
TherapyNotes
TherapyNotes on Facebook
Resources Mentioned
G Suite For Therapists E-Course
G Suite
AWeber
191: How to Use G Suite As a Tool For Managing a Private Practice
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Meet Gordon Brewer, MEd, LMFT
Gordon is the person behind The Practice of Therapy Podcast & Blog.He is also President and Founder of Kingsport Counseling Associates, PLLC. He is a therapist, consultant, business mentor, trainer and writer. PLEASE Subscribe to The Practice of Therapy Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. Follow us on Instagram @tpotpodcast, Twitter @therapistlearn and Pinterest “Like” us on Facebook.