Healthcode and patientzone make online billing more efficient
Healthcode and patientzone have enhanced the electronic billing and payments functionality in ePractice management software to help independent practitioners improve their cash flow and collect all money owed from non-insured patients.
Phase 2 of ePractice Online Payments via patientzone enables doctors and clinics registered with patientzone to create shortfall letters, details of debt re-allocations and payment reminders.
Using ePractice templates, they then send them electronically to patients and other payers through the secure portal.
They can also send credit notes if the original invoice was sent through patientzone. These additional features are available to Healthcode’s ePractice Lite and Pro users.
Payers receive a branded collection notice or reminder by email or text with a unique link so they can access the patientzone website securely and pay what is due. They are sent an electronic receipt as soon as a bill is settled.
Automatically updated
Healthcode said practitioners can set their account to send an email or text confirming the bill has been paid. Their ePractice account is automatically updated within 30 minutes so they can keep track of payments.
Over 3,300 practitioners have registered with the system since the company launched its online payment initiative with patientzone in 2019.
Healthcode said the system is:
- More time-efficient than printing and posting bills;
- More secure than sending an unencrypted email;
- A cost-effective way to offer patients convenient online payment compared with arranging a merchant account or paying credit card processing fees.
Practitioners and clinics instead pay a fee to patientzone of 2.5% per paid bill + VAT. There is 10p + VAT to pay for each reminder letter sent.
Kingsley Hollis
Healthcode’s head of business development (ePractice) Kingsley Hollis said: ‘Online billing via patientzone means we can offer Healthcode customers a truly comprehensive electronic billing service whether their transactions are with private medical insurers, patients or other payers such as embassies or solicitors.
‘With self-funded healthcare predicted to increase in the years ahead, efficient and secure online billing and payments is a “must-have” for independent practices.’
Managing director of patientzone Richard Shawyer added: ‘Our partnership with Healthcode gives practices an affordable way to introduce secure and convenient online payments for their patients.
‘These new billing and payment tracking features signify that we are continuing to collaborate on tools to help practices thrive and I am excited about how much more we can achieve together.’