Re: RE: EMR/practice management f/u

December 1, 2003

Hi to all,

This is in response to Greg H's recent message concerning integrated EMR/Pm

systems. I'm checking my email sending capability. See next message.

Bill

>

> Date: 2003/11/30 Sun PM 02:57:44 EST

> To: < >

> Subject: RE: EMR/practice management f/u

>

Would you mind sharing which systems you reviewed (and your thoughts about

them in whatever detail you have time for)? I am looking for an integrated

package myself and am struggling with the decision.

With respect, I think $17K is ridiculous. On top of this, how much is the

annual support? You don't, technically, ever own a piece of software. Read

the license. If you owned it, you could sell or even give it to someone

else. You only rent it for $17K or, with the help of the bank, for

$825/month. After you've paid off the loan, they will continue to milk you

somehow. What are the support fees, $2000/year? I'm sure there will also be

some reason to charge extra for a special upgraded version, as well, when in

2007 or so our government throws in some new HIPAA-like piece of legislation

that makes the current software obsolete.

I'm sorry if this sounds like I am upset. I am. Not at you, but at software

companies that are ripping us off!

The other thing that is driving me crazy about these companies is that very

few of them are willing to let you have and hold a working demo of their

software. I am considering buying eClinicalWorks (by their subscription

method) but I am only able to evaluate it via a Webex demo. How am I

supposed to know if, by the end of a working day, I am able to keep up with

all of the clicks I will have to do to document visits, unless I am able to

test it in this situation. You wouldn't buy a car based on a video of

someone else showing how it handles!

It seems like several of you on the list are using Alteer, I would like to

know if you all are using it as an EMR as well. When I demo'ed it, it seemed

like it had excellent billing and practice management modules. But I was

very underwhelemed with its EMR. Seemed like it took forever to document a

visit; even the salesman kept making excuses for it and admitted that very

few offices were paperless with it as an EMR. Maybe it has improved since

then.

Is their anyone out there using a different software package? Maybe you

could write in the pros and cons of what you have and if you think it is

worth the money. Specifically, anyone using eClinicalWorks. After demo'ing

about a dozen products, I think this one is probably the strongest, i.e., of

the ones that are priced under $20K per provider. I love the fact that I can

subscribe for $250/mon for the EMR and $400/mon for the whole package. This

includes support. You can purchase it for $7500 or $10000 and then pay

~$2000/year for support if you prefer. The software still sits on your own

server, so if you decide to stop subscribing, all of your data is still

there (the software just knows to not allow you to enter anything new). If

eCW goes out of business, all of a sudden, you still are the steward of your

own data. $400/month, I can do. But it's still hard to know if it will make

me more efficient then something like AmazingCharts (at $500 one time).

Sorry for the rant,

Greg Hinson, MD

EMR/practice management f/u

Graham will receive a packet of info on EMR/practice management

systems I researched along with pricing quotes for the hardware and

software. As a solo practicioner the best deal was Alteer who gave me a 10%

discount just because I was going to go with someone else. Their software

is 17K and you own it. I got a 5.2% loan on $40,000 (it includes my monthly

support for one year etc, I did this because my student loans are locked in

at 8% and I'm putting my income there). My hardware quote was $8000 for

everything (server,workstation,laptop,scannerX2,wireless

connectivity,printer all cables and business software and installation with

3 year warranty). Physician Microsystems was my second choice, but with

their ASP model you never own the software, in 3 years alteer is yours the

way I set it up. So for everything I am paying 825 a month to HPSC bank,

with my $325 rent, 49.95 phone, I am making a good net income.

Feel free to call with any questions...it's overwhelming like any new

language while you're learning

Rothe DO

379 Piney Branch Way

Burnsville, NC 28714

(828)273-2889

December 1, 2003

This is in Greg H's recent message concerning EMR/PM systems. I wrote a

presidential address length reply and sent it in to oblivion by pressing the

wrong button.

Bottom line: I really like eClinicalWorks. I'm signing an agreement for 15,000

to buy their software for 1 1/2 FP docs. They have excellent references, and

share them freely. Their point and click system is second to none and works

well with my wireless tablet pc model, as I often sit in front of a patient with

the chart on my lap anyhow. I'll dictate after the visit as well with Dragon

7.0. I'd like to hear more on how people are actually interacting with their

patients using all this technology.

I did not like the EMR component of Alteer. They have excellent workflow

however. They are also very suspicious in terms of their releasing of reference

info. and asking you to call Alteer first before contacting users. This kept

me on guard throughout my entire interaction with the rep(over months).

There is so much more to say. I'll wait for a response. Happy Holidays!

Bill , MD