practice management computer programs

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G'Day all,
Am thinking of going computerized in general. There are so many programmes out there I'm wondering if there is a general consensus of a great easy to use one that is tailor made for private podiatry practice. I would really appreciate some feedback, positive or negative.
Thanks!
Michelle

 

I've just recently been researching this for my practice. So far I've found these offerings in Australia:

http://www.networklogic.com.au/pms_podiatry.asp
http://www.ppmp.com.au/default0.asp
http://www.tm2online.com/take-a-tour/tm2-practice-management
http://www.practicebee.com/podiatry.html
http://www.clinicdirector.com/
http://www.footware.com.au/overview.html
http://www.centaursoftware.com.au/index.asp?menuid=330
http://www.oasis-software.com.au/oasis_health.htm
http://www.PodiatrySoftware.co.uk (can be tailored for Australia)
http://www.smartsoft.com.au/Products/FrontDesk.aspx

And there's a web-based solution (just being adapted for Australia now):

http://practicepal.co.uk/

Of all of those I prefer the functions of Frontdesk & TM2. Footware by Monkey software is also reasonable.

For us the important factors were useability (non-IT proficient reception staff need a clear & simple interface), good customisable clinical notes which merge to letters/reports as required, stock control and billing. We were also after a package that would allow website bookings for patients.

They all cover the basics of diaries & bookings. Generally the more you pay the more you get.

Lots of Podiatrists I know use Frontdesk. Personally I don't like the GUI & it seems a bit "clunky" compared to a few similarly priced packages. I have experience of NetPodiatry & PPMP. I don't like either much, Netpodiatry because the clinical notes are far too basic. I can't remember why I disliked PPMP, but a bad taste sticks in my mouth for some reason.

I do like TM2. Ticks all of our boxes above. They have HICAPS integration (with Medicare claims included in the next month), they are working on an in-software online claiming process for Medicare & DVA (although they can't give me a date on that) and they also have an online booking add-on.

Problem is it's expensive. And for all my cost analysis, force-field analysis & decision tree drawing it comes down to how much I like the toy!

Hope that gives you a morsel to think on.

 

I have just started using PPS (UK), it seems pretty good, you can download a free demo from www.rushcliff.com.

 

Hi Michelle,
I use MMEx (Medical Messaging Exchange). It was developed by UWA (University of WA). It is an online programme that allows you to have a paperless office. You pay for the initial registration and then you pay for your emails and reports that you send via the exchange. The billing part is still being developed so I am using MYOB.

If you google MMEx you will get all of the info you need.

What I love about it is I can book patients in where ever I am, as long as I have internet access. As it stores your diary online. All of you progress/clinic notes are accessed online as well so you don't have to have endless filing cabinets in your reception.

Hope this helps

Julie

 

I have been using Networklogic's Netpodiatry for the last 4 years in our clinic. The program has filled our needs for that time, however we are now starting to have issues with program slowing down due to the size of the database (we have used the program for appointment, clinic notes and letter writing). Unfortunately we have not been able to get around this so we are now looking at changing.

 

I have just installed Front Desk from Smartsoft after looking at a few different programs. TM2 impressed initially and the patient file system was good but after a few enquiring phone calls I started to wonder about the backup. The system, was developed overseas and it doesn't appear to be that widespread in Australia yet.

One of my concerns about Front Desk was that the patient file system was severely lacking but that has been addressed in the latest version. I can't have been more impressed with the service, training and the willingness to help with any problems we have encountered (no problems from their side just that we are inexperienced with the program). I have been able to setup my laptop so that I can access the system from a satellite clinic and make appointments, billing and eventually files via an internet connection.

No complaints so far with Front Desk and the service is excellent.

Billquiet

 

I am also looking at changing Netpodiatry for the same reason. My advice is talk to an IT person first before looking at the features of the program. The way the program stores the data is the most improrant part. Certain database files slow down considerably the larger they get. This is because they try to transmit all the data at once rather than just the part being modified.

 

Hi, we have been using smartsoft front desk for a few years now. One of the problems with many of these systems is if they are not given anough feed back and the feedback only comes from one source then nothing is done to resolve the problems. Generally F/D have been fantastic when we run into problems.

We use this system for all of our data, notes, letters and appointment making.

One catch is they are not on EST. When you open at 9am or 8.30 am and your system is not working and they do not open until 9.30 SA time we are in a quandry. They do have an after hours number but this can take time for them to get back to us.

If you intend to sell a lot of products, this needs to be taken into account.

Cheers

 

We use netpodiatry-find it good, once you navigate around the tabs. Help is only a call away (sydney) and they can always answer the question.

 

I use Chiropody Data System Pro, which is the second software programme I have had. It is economical to use, and can be used on up to 3 PCs. I have gone completely paperless now, and it is saving me lots of admin time. It has a reasonably comprehensive patient record form, diabetes form, and record of visit, and enables photos to be uploaded. Additionally, I can convert the record of visit into a summary of visits or invoice by just clicking a button, and also convert it into spreadsheet to do my accounts. Oh, yes, and it brings up a proforma letter head, with the relevent info already on it (Patient and doctor details, and my details), thus saving me lots of time. One word of caution, Im not sure about the legislation in other countries, but in the UK the Data Protection Act must be adhered to, and once you start storing data on a computer there is an automatic responsibility by the practitioner to register with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)