Requesting claim software from an insurance agency

by Kecia
(Clarksville, AR)

Hello! I am in the works of starting my own billing business in Arkansas. How do I request an insurance agency's claim software - they keep asking me for my provider number or my practice name? Obviously I'm not a doctor and therefore have neither of these things. Is there a way around this?

Thank you so much

Response:

Kecia,

I haven't attempted to use the medical claim software provided by any of the insurance carriers before. If you don't have a provider yet, they may not let you download software or sign up for a login ID to use their portal. It's similar with a clearinghouse - you need specific provider info to sign up.

If you need basic software just to get started you might try Office Ally. They are nothing fancy but they do provide a good basic free program called Practice Mate - and a free clearinghouse service.

It provides the basics like patient data base, electronic claims, statements, etc. I've read good things about them - especially the clearinghouse - on one of the medical billing forum's.

Hope this helps - Thanks!