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Electronic Medical Records - Web Based vs. Computer Software??

Discussion in 'Practice Management' started by DocGringo, Feb 28, 2009.

  1. DocGringo

    DocGringo Welcome New Poster


    Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.
    I am considering starting an EMR system, and I was considering Dox EMR in particular. Does anyone have any experience withthis particular company? What are the monthly costs? Any preferences between web based vs. software that is purchased and loaded onto a computer?
     
  2. David Smith

    David Smith Well-Known Member

    Doc

    Try Practicepal web based system at practicepal.co.uk, I've been using the product for a year and it's working very well. You can't loose your patient data so no need to back up locally and its very secure since there is no data stored on your lap top or any mobile / transportable device such as memory sticks etc. Plus you can access from anywhere and its constantly updated and synchronised with other users such as reception or multi clinic / practitioner.

    (I have no financial interest in the company)

    All the best Dave
     
  3. blinda

    blinda MVP

    Dave, I tried this but all i get is a substandard version of Stairway To Heaven :confused:

    Won`t you please provide a website?

    Cheers,
    Bel
     
  4. David Smith

    David Smith Well-Known Member

    Hmmm! Spooky

    practicepal.co.uk works fine for me, what else can I tell you.

    go herehttp://practicepal.co.uk/

    Cheers Dave
     
  5. blinda

    blinda MVP

    Ah, much better, thanks.

    Google didn`t seem to like `practicepal.co.uk`

    Cheers:drinks
    Bel
     
  6. Gibby

    Gibby Active Member

    I have used DOX in the recent past. It is expensive, they will quote you a price based on volume and number of doctors, staff. You will find their site if you google DOX.
    The system is neat, variables in charting have drop-down boxes, very fast once you get used to it. As with any of these systems, you must be very careful. There are always 'default' values, and if you are in a hurry and not careful, you will incorrectly document things in patient's records...
    -John
     
  7. Wendy

    Wendy Active Member

    Just wondered if anyone had used Podiatry Software as an alternative to Practice Pal?
    Thanks Wendy
     
  8. djpdpm

    djpdpm Welcome New Poster

    How do I get started using this company and are they safe as an international company to use for emr in the usa. I mean, "what if?"
     
  9. djpdpm

    djpdpm Welcome New Poster

    the company in the uk.....
     
  10. djpdpm

    djpdpm Welcome New Poster

    Have you started using either dox or practicepal yet?...I spoke with a business rep from dox and he did an online demo that left me somewhat suspect of the ease of use of the product. However he was willing to sell me $2000 worth of onsite training or $1000 (8) hours worth of web based training and $500 per month to use the system. My question to him was...If the system is user friendly then why the need for a training packet. Why not just pay as you go training. Anyway, will continue to try to contact practice pal for a demo.
     
  11. David Smith

    David Smith Well-Known Member

    Djpdpm

    Practice pal is safe, the security is the same as online banking, it is simple to use, it costs from £25 a month, no set up fee, no training fees. I have been using it for a year. I don't know how it will interface with USA systems, is windows operating system USA different from windows UK? I don't think so.

    Dave

    PS DJPDMPPMDSJPM??!!?? do you have a name?
     
  12. eddavisdpm

    eddavisdpm Active Member

    The advantages of EMR software in the ASP (application service provider) model, that is, software that resides on the server of the EMR vendor are as follows:
    1) The vendor can regularly update the software on its server, relieving the customer of the requirement to obtain updates.
    2) The server of the vendor may be in a more secure remote location.
    3) The server of the vendor may be of higher quality and sophistication with greater redundancy.
    4) The client need is relieved of the responsibility to maintain hardware; an internet connection is required and workstations and/or laptop.
    5) Greater portability to the client because the software is web based.
    6) Limited investment of client due to availability of monthly subscription to the ASP as opposed to one time software purchase.

    The disadvantages of EMR software in the ASP model:
    1) Speed of the system is limited by the client's internet connection speed. I do not see how the speed of remote software can thus be the same as for software on a local machine. Consider the volume of steps needed to complete a note - multiple small delays in speed can add up big time.
    2) Speed of the system can be affected by how many clients are on the system at one time.
    3) Ability of client to personalize or customize software may be limited.

    I purchased Dox software in February 2009.

    Ed Davis, DPM
    ed@sanantoniodoc.net
     
  13. dhsmith1

    dhsmith1 Welcome New Poster

    I have a long history with ASP. Usually the ASP is a good deal the first year or two, but after that it's like renting. You never own. It's quite an easy calculation. Just do the math.

    Regarding Podiatry software, I am a vendor for MD Logic. (It has both ASP or web based and server based. It's a touch screen EMR with a podiatry (and many other specialties, but a robust podiatry knowledgebase). I cannot tell you how many podiatrists come to our booth regreting buying a less user friendly software. MD Logic was developed as a note creation software for the doctor to use in the exam room. I won't make this a commercial or discredit any other softwre, but please check out www.mdlogic.com and if you want a demo, ask for Don Smith by name. dsmith@mdlogic.com.
     
  14. eddavisdpm

    eddavisdpm Active Member

    EMR update. I started using Dox in February 2009 and discontinued its use at the end of July 2009. Despite having a reasonably fast internet service provider, I spent an inordinate amount of time watching the hourglass on the screen of my computer rather than completing the note. Dox tech support blamed my ISP who, in turn, blamed my computer. I optimized my computer and checked the download speed provided by the ISP and all was fine. Numerous glitches existed on the Dox system which slowed down creation of notes. Additionally, it is essentially a "black box" type system in which one does not see the note being created but is only entering data. The final note then may or may not be acceptable or may require significant revision.

    I have a decent knowledge of EMR, having used about 5 different EMR programs between teaching assignments, Veterans Adminstration and private practice. As such, I feel that my tech knowledge was not the issue. Dox is a subscription based ASP model nevertheless transfers all financial responsibilities to leasing companies of which Dox appears to have had several. I am still on the hook for a lease despite my non-use of the software. Obviously, if the lease was on a car or other tangible property, that could be transferred to a new owner thus mitigating my financial obligation. Dox has, unfortunately, refused to allow me to transfer the "product" to another user despite my requests.

    Regards,
    Ed
    Ed Davis, DPM
     
  15. Ivan G.

    Ivan G. Member

    I have been using PodwarePro for the past 18 months with great ease I have never cosidered online storage systems, and bypass the fear of data loss by frequent back-up to a memory stick. The software fro podiatrysoftware.co.uk is inexpensive and quite comprhensive. No learning curve to slow you down. I have had a couple of minor grouches with the way the software stores data - like sorting accoding to last name only, but these are minor issues compared to the price of using online software, I should think!
     
  16. PodiatrySoftware

    PodiatrySoftware Welcome New Poster

    The complex process of selection and implementation of an EHR/EMR for the podiatric physician is hindered by the lack of a central repository of unbiased information. This forum is a great opportunity to provide just that - a place where we can share our experiences, both good and bad, and help our colleagues navigate through the myriad of information out there.

    I have decided to contribute my experiences in the form of an ongoing journal documenting in detail my journey from investigating different EHR software through the implementation, including hints and tricks I've picked-up along the way. I encourage readers of this forum to contribute their experiences for the benefit of all. My journal is located here: Podiatry EHR and Meaningful Use

    Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the Podiatry Software company that is based out of the UK and I am not a consultant nor do I have any connection or financial interest in any company selling any EHR/EMR.
     
  17. AUStudent

    AUStudent Member

    Hi I have just sighed up with practice pal as I believe it to be a great product. The only problem I have just found out that they no longer have any tech support in my country Australia! How does everyone else out there (not UK based) get on for support. It was nice to know if I needed phone support that I have it but it seems Australia no longer has an office for practice pal!!???
     
  18. David Smith

    David Smith Well-Known Member

    AS

    The product is good but it does a lot now compared to the early versions, it is outstanding value for money as there is not much you can't do on it in relation to running your practice. However this does mean that there is a lot to learn about how it works and how to implement or incorporate it into your practice. So if you are a single practitioner without staff or any ancillary services then maybe all you need to do is have a diary, patient records and contacts and income accounts set up. Or you might have a multi practice, multi discipline with retails sales, NHS/medical insurance contracts, domiciliary services, etc (that means I can't think ot any more things but there probably are but I don't want to let you know that :dizzy:)

    Anyway you can configure tha PracticePal system to deal with all these things but you have to think about the design of the set up and how it will work in your environment.

    For instance you can set up all your patient records with all their letters and referrals and x rays and scans, biomechanical evaluations, foot scans etc stored online and so save acres of space in physical storage requirements. Then you can set up and correlate the contacts for the patient and link them up. You can set up recalls and messaging and reminder or letter printing, you can set up stock control and sales records and accounting records and service outcome measures with interrogation and standard forms etc etc etc.

    So the more you want to do the more you need to know about how to achieve that. So there is an online handbook at this address https://live.practicepal.co.uk/helpmanual/index.htm but it is not exhaustive or fully comprehensive.

    What we need is a Practicepal users forum, Ill ring Paul at the UK base and see if he can set that up

    Dave
     
  19. AUStudent

    AUStudent Member

    Hi Dave,
    Where are you located? If you are in the UK then you have 24 hour practice pal support to ask questions (especially in the set up stage!). My concern is with Australia I do not have any support is it a wise move to stick with practice pal if we have no support over here? ....and in relation to the original thread posted here I believe web based is the way to go as long as your internet is reliable. Web base is low cost can access it anywhere, backed up for you, no ongoing update fees, mac friendly and the list goes on!
     
  20. David Smith

    David Smith Well-Known Member

    Hi AS

    Yeah Just talked to the UK office and they say goto their web site get the contact details and you can deal direct with the uk office. If your worried about phone bill costs then they will phone you back. The only draw back I see is the time difference. I suggested that a users forum might be a good idea and they took that on board.

    BTW why no name Australian Student!!?

    Dave Smith
     
  21. AUStudent

    AUStudent Member

    Hi Dave,
    I need to update my user name! I am no longer a student and my apologies my name is Renee. Thank you for your comments
     
  22. markleigh

    markleigh Active Member

    Are there any Australian based, internet based practice management software providers?
     
  23. AUStudent

    AUStudent Member

    Hi Mark Leigh,
    I have just cancelled my subscription with practice pal as I am in Australia and they offer no support here. I have just signed up with a company called Nookal and so far it is proving to be easier to use than practice pal and Nookal are Australian based. I can call them any time (even after hours) and have always been happy with the service. I strongly recommend anyone in Australia who is considering a web based program to have a look at Nookal.
     
  24. Zac

    Zac Active Member

    I have looked at Cliniko & they are very open with pricing & you can get a trial version immediately with no hassle. Nookal (which may also be very good) don't provide as much info. on their site & you seem to have to make contact with them to receive further info. I have NO financial interest in either, just looking at the possibility of changing over to a web based system.
     
  25. AUStudent

    AUStudent Member

    Hi Zac,
    I found the downside to clinko was that you cannot attach patient letters, gp letters or diagrams to patient files. Cliniko is easy to use but too basic for what I wanted. I have no financial interest in Nookal but can recommend them. They will set up a demo for you or go through the system with you over the phone like they did with me. They are very helpful.
    Rez
     
  26. Zac

    Zac Active Member

    Thanks. Does Nookal have some management of Medicare/TCA? It is a major issue to be able to track things like number of Medicare visits used/still available & also to be able to send/attach letters for 1st & last visits. The very brief contact I had with Cliniko they were in the near futu going to be incorporating some sort of Medicare function but I'm not sure exactly what. That would be a very big reason for me to go with a particular provider.
     
  27. PracticePal.

    PracticePal. Welcome New Poster

    Hello Everyone,

    To pick up on previous posts, we just wanted to let you know that we do provide support to our Australian customers and have been doing so successfully for several years now. This support is completely free of charge and has worked very well even with the obvious time zone difference.

    Regards,

    The PracticePal Team.
     
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