Kareo

Overview

Medical software suites designed for large hospitals and managing complex insurance and patient systems can be overwhelming for independent healthcare providers. Luckily, companies such as Kareo are specifically built to cater to the needs of these small businesses. In fact, Kareo has been named the industry-leading software platform for small, independent providers.  

Kareo's success is due to its focus on providing affordable, user-friendly, and feature-rich solutions to healthcare providers. The company is committed to helping health workers improve the quality of care they provide to their patients. It is constantly innovating to meet the changing needs of the healthcare industry. Just because it boasts all these accolades and awards doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your company. Here we will break down this product's history, features, solutions, and downsides so you can make the best decision for your practice.  

About

Kareo was founded in 2004 by Dan Rodrigues, a former executive at Scout, Inc. Recognizing the need for a more efficient and affordable practice management solution for healthcare providers, Rodrigues established Kareo. Initially offering a practice management system, the company gained traction among small and medium-sized healthcare providers. In 2008, Kareo expanded its offerings by launching its electronic health record (EHR) system.

Today, Kareo offers healthcare providers a wide range of products and services, including EHRs, practice management, billing, scheduling, and patient engagement. The company has over 20,000 customers in over 100 countries, and it is one of the fastest-growing healthcare technology companies in the world.

Features & Solutions

A Comprehensive Management Software

Kareo’s practice management software is notable for its user-friendly and intuitive nature. The software offers a comprehensive range of features that effectively handle various administrative workflows, including appointment scheduling, patient registration, and insurance verification.  The streamlined interface ensures that staff members can easily navigate tasks, reducing the need for extensive training and promoting overall productivity. Note that not all features are included in all Kareo plans. To get an accurate quote for your practice, contact a Kareo representative. According to Kareos website, most people find they have fully learned the system after 30 days.  While Kareo offers a variety of self-help videos and tutorials to help users learn their system, some customers have reported that they were not enough to help them learn the software.  

Electronic Health Records

Kareo’s Electronic Health Records (EHR) system offers a seamless transition from paper-based records to a fully digital environment. The EHR module enables healthcare providers to access patient histories, record clinical encounters, and coordinate care efficiently. The system’s intuitive design and integration with other modules ensure a smooth flow of information, enabling better collaboration and continuity of care. Some users have reported that the interface can sometimes be slow, especially when uploading documents.  

Medical Billing and Revenue Cycle Management

What truly sets Kareo apart is its Medical Billing and Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) services. Managing billing processes and optimizing revenue can be daunting, but Kareo’s solution simplifies the entire process. From claim submission to payment posting and denial management, their expertise in medical billing ensures a streamlined revenue cycle. This ultimately leads to improved cash flow and reduces administrative burdens for healthcare practices.

Telemedicine

In today’s digital age, telemedicine has become an integral part of healthcare delivery, and Kareo doesn’t disappoint in this aspect. Healthcare providers can now offer virtual visits and consultations thanks to the Kareo telemedicine platform, increasing patient access to care. The secure video calls, messaging, and file-sharing capabilities provide a seamless virtual experience while maintaining the highest privacy and security standards.

Patient Engagement

Kareo’s commitment to patient engagement is also commendable. Their suite of tools includes features like online appointment scheduling, patient portals for accessing health records, automated reminders, and online bill payment options. These patient-centered features empower individuals to take control of their healthcare journey, leading to improved satisfaction and streamlined processes for patients and medical practices.

Reporting and Analytics

Kareo offers robust reporting and analytics features, allowing practices to track key performance indicators, measure productivity, monitor revenue trends, and generate insightful reports for informed decision-making and practice improvement. Mobile Accessibility

Kareo's mobile app provides healthcare providers convenient access to patient information, scheduling, and communication tools, empowering them to manage their practice on the go.

Integrations

Kareo integrates with other systems and services, such as labs, pharmacies, and clearinghouses, enabling seamless data exchange and workflow integration.

Plans & Pricing

Kareo offers different plans and pricing options to accommodate the variety of needs of medical practices. Pricing may also depend on factors such as the number of providers in the practice, the level of customization required, and any additional services or integrations needed. For detailed and up-to-date pricing information, it is recommended to contact Kareo directly or visit their website to explore the available plans and request a personalized quote based on your specific requirements. While the pricing plans are reported to be costly, it may well be worth considering if they create efficiencies in other areas of your practice.  

Customer Support

Regarding customer support, Kareo provides a variety of ways you can reach out, including phone, email, and live chat. They also offer a variety of self-service resources, such as online help, user manuals, guides, training videos, knowledge bases, and user community forums.  Customer support is immediately available to Kareo users through live chat or phone. While some aspects of their customer service have received very high ratings, some users have complained that navigating the help center search bar can be challenging. In addition to this, because Kareo outsources its customer support service, some users have complained that it can be challenging to get clear information.  

Final Thoughts

Overall, Kareo’s healthcare software suite is a comprehensive and user-friendly solution that caters to the needs of medical practices, regardless of their size. The cloud-based nature of the platform ensures flexibility and accessibility, allowing healthcare providers to securely access patient data from anywhere. Kareo’s emphasis on operational efficiency, care coordination, and patient engagement makes it an invaluable asset for small-scale healthcare practices striving to deliver exceptional services while optimizing their workflows. It is important to evaluate your organization’s needs, consult with stakeholders, and explore demonstrations or trials to determine whether Kareo or an alternative solution aligns best with your unique circumstances.