Technology Solutions: Q&A With Nextech's Dr. Jason Handza

Nextech this year introduced Nextech RCM Professional Billing Services, an addition to their practice management software suite. This solution simplifies insurance billing complexities, helping practices reduce administrative burdens and enhance financial performance through optimized cash flow. To discuss this as well as overall trends in the technology solutions available to today’s dermatology practice, we spoke with Dr. Jason Handza, chief medical officer for Nextech.

WHAT DOES TODAY’S SPECIALTY PRACTICE NEED IN TERMS OF TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR MANAGEMENT?

They require technology solutions that can holistically support all facets of their operations. This means having systems that offer seamless integration of electronic health records (EHR), practice management (PM), revenue cycle management (RCM), and data analytics—all tailored to the specific needs of the specialty. Generic, one-size-fits-all solutions simply will not cut it for specialty practices that have unique demands. For instance, advanced RCM tools equipped with machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are essential to automate coding, streamline auto-posting, and intelligently screen claims before submission. This can significantly enhance clean claim rates and improve the management of denials.

Technology should also improve the patient experience. By enhancing communication channels through appointment reminders, online payment systems, robust patient portals, and telehealth capabilities, specialty practices can foster stronger patient relationships. Satisfied, engaged patients are more likely to become advocates for the practice, driving growth and loyalty.

Moreover, these systems must be scalable and user-friendly, empowering providers to deliver high-quality care. Easy access to patient history, current visit details, and streamlined data input can improve documentation accuracy, allowing physicians to focus on face-to-face interaction with patients.

Security is another critical consideration. With the rise of healthcare data breaches, technology solutions must prioritize data protection. A security breach can cripple a practice and expose sensitive patient information, making robust cybersecurity essential.

Lastly, interoperability is key. No single software can meet every need, and specialty practices often require niche solutions. Technology providers must recognize when to integrate with other systems and ensure a seamless user experience across platforms, enabling practices to adapt to their specific needs without compromising efficiency.

HOW MUCH CAN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS HELP A PRIVATE PRACTICE COMPETE WITH LARGER ENTITIES?

Technology solutions can significantly enhance a private practice’s ability to compete with larger entities by offering data-driven insights that lead to smarter decision-making. With better data, smaller practices can focus on growth strategies and business development while supporting a high quality of patient care.

Specialty-specific, streamlined software allows providers and staff to concentrate on delivering an exceptional patient experience, which can be a key differentiator for private practices. These tools also help manage costs more efficiently, potentially lowering overhead expenses and enabling practices to offer competitive pricing or enhanced services.

In addition, technology can ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, mitigating the risk of costly legal penalties. Private practices can also use digital marketing tools and patient engagement platforms to reach new patients and build loyalty, leveling the playing field against the expansive marketing resources of larger entities. By strategically using these solutions, private practices can position themselves as agile, patient-centered alternatives to bigger competitors.

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT ABOUT NEXTECH’S RCM PROFESSIONAL BILLING SERVICES FOR DERMATOLOGISTS?

Nextech's RCM professional billing services are specifically designed for dermatology practices, offering billing and coding expertise that reflects a deep understanding of dermatological procedures and nuances. The service provides access to support teams who are familiar with the unique needs of dermatology practices, ensuring timely help and tailored solutions.

What sets Nextech apart is the scalability of our RCM services, allowing practices to grow and adapt without significant changes to their workforce. We offer advanced dermatology-specific coding solutions that enhance accuracy and compliance, reducing the risk of claim denials and rejections. Our RCM workflows are fully integrated with our EHR system, streamlining the process from patient visit to billing, which reduces manual data entry, minimizes errors, and improves cash flow.

By using machine learning and generative AI, Nextech performs intelligent claims scrubbing, both before and after submission, to ensure higher clean claim rates. This reduces administrative burden, lowers costs, and improves overall revenue performance.

Our service also includes comprehensive denial management and appeals processes, helping dermatology practices recover revenue from denied claims. Furthermore, Nextech offers robust reporting and analytics tools, giving dermatologists valuable insights into their financial health and enabling data-driven decision-making.

At the core of Nextech's mission is simplifying patient care delivery and helping practices thrive. We view our users as partners and design our solutions to empower them to focus more on patient care and less on billing complexities.