Netsmart Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise-wide software and services for health and human services organizations, today announced the general availability release of version 7.6 of Helper(TM), Netsmart's leading practice management software for individual and small-group private-practice psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, therapists and social workers. Nearly 50,000 clinicians in 18,000 practices have selected Helper as their practice management solution.

Helper is a complete Windows -based practice management solution for scheduling, billing, electronic claims submission and credit card processing. Optional Helper modules include affordable clinical capabilities such as notes and assessments and electronic prescribing to help meet the requirements for Medicaid e-prescribing incentives. Helper also offers users access to Netsmart University, an online learning resource with hundreds of online courses, many with continuing education credits.

Many of the new features in Helper 7.6 were driven by customer requests and Helper user group feedback. Enhancements include:

* Improved scheduling efficiency for faster scheduling and more efficient management of appointments.

* On-screen Claim Form assistance, featuring an image of the 1500 Claim form that shows the origin of the information that populates it.

* A redesigned patient statement that features a professional, easy-to-read look, added fields for credit card billing information, and perforations for easy tear-off.

* Enhanced credit card processing with improved speed, reliability, security and ease of use, for savings of up to 30 percent in credit card swipe fees. Now compatible with card swipe machines.

* Seamless QuickBooks integration, with one-touch exports to all versions of QuickBooks.

* "Smart" payment tracking to facilitate easier application of payments to services.

"As a longtime Helper user, I know first-hand how indispensable it is as a practice management tool, especially in these challenging economic times when practices need to be as efficient as possible," said Susan Ferguson, practice administrator at Chestnut Hill Counseling Associates in Dover, N.H. and chair of the Helper Users Association. "And as a beta tester for Helper 7.6, I know how these enhancements will streamline the financial aspects of our practice and establish us to focus even more closely on patient care."

In addition to using the new features, Helper customers can participate in an active and growing Helper user community, where they can learn best practices, have questions answered and share ideas online. Helper customers can also take advantage of the Helper Assurance Plan, a program that includes unlimited U.S.-based telephone and online support, introductory product training and implementation assistance, data conversion assistance, online learning, e-prescribing and other beneficial services.

"Helper is already an affordable and comprehensive solution for private practices," said James L. Conway, chief executive officer, Netsmart Technologies. "These enhancements make it even more so, and are a testament to the passion and allegiance of members of the Helper user community who contributed thoughts and ideas toward these valuable enhancements."