Practice Management Blog! (And you thought you'd seen it all)

Because we niche Bloggers need to stick together, let me plug a little gem of a weblog that my colleague came across recently while listlessly browsing the internet. It's called Manage My Practice, and, in the words of editor Mary Pat Whaley, it "provide[s] healthcare executives and medical practice managers [with] a place to find resources and information."

Mary isn't joking around, and, as a Board Certified Healthcare manager and a Fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives, she certainly knows her stuff.

We at IO Practiceware are tech-y types, so we're particularly stoked about the "Technology Answers" section. But the whole site is a wealth of information. With topics that span from "Innovation" to "Reimbursement," Manage My Practice tips you off on the latest in several corners of healthcare, from Medicare to swine flu to Twitter.

Way to go, Mary; keep up the good work!

--FR

Help Us Revise Our Website

IO Practiceware's Company Website is undergoing a number of changes.  

We're trying to determine how exhaustively one can (or should) represent an EMR or PMS system via the World Wide Web.  We're like moody adolescents: we go back and forth between wanting to tell you everything and wanting to be as concise as possible, and wanting you to mind your own business, Mom! and then wanting to paint our nails and talk on the phone and go to the prom and [insert adolescent cliché].

Because, seriously -- trying to get you to like our multi-faceted and expansive EMR and PMS system just by looking at our website is like trying to get you to marry this guy named Neville based on his Facebook profile.

We'd like your input!  You there.  Yes, you.  We're wondering:

What information is most crucial to you when you're looking online for an EMR or practice management system?  What purpose should that company's website serve for you -- should it be a preliminary introduction, a "preview" of the software, or a comprehensive representation of the software?

Leave us a comment, send us an email, or give us a call (212) 844-0105.

Yours in Truth,

IO Practiceware

News Article: EMR a 'no brainer'

Dear Faithful Blog Readers,

FierceHealthcareIT, which publishes weekly articles relating to the health care industry, has just posted something worth checking out: it's an op-ed by Anne Zieger about how EMR is awesome. If you think we're biased (and we're not! Okay, maybe we are), just take it from Anne. She'll give you an informed account of how EMR will fatten the proverbial hen that is your practice, salvage the future of health care, and save the world as we know it.

Ever yours,
IO

Is EMR really that scary?

No need to be scared. Breathe. Three little words: "Electronic Medical Records." That wasn't so bad, was it? We know -- you're scared of EMR. And who could blame you? Humans have always been scared of the unknown. I, myself, refused to try spinach until I was in college (dining halls have the uncanny ability to oblige culinary exploration).

We're guessing that if you aren't already using EMR, the idea of ditching your paper records seems about as appealing to you as regrouting your bathroom or going on a date with this guy.

And we feel your pain. To you, EMR is unknown. And the unknown can be scary.

That's why the team at IO Practiceware is here to assuage your fears. We proudly present:

"Everything You've Always Wanted To Know About EMR*
*But Were Afraid To Ask"
(A Three Act Play)

Act I - "The Stubborn Ophthalmologist"

IO: I suspect from your cherry red complexion and the fact that your fists are clenched that you're frustrated.

Doctor: Hmmmph.

IO: You're worried that the government is going to force you into buying EMR?

Doctor: Hmmmph.

IO: You're frustrated that your three year-old daughter can use the internet faster than you can?

Doctor: ...I'm just...not good with computers. I'm afraid EMR will slow me down in the exam room! How will I keep my practice on schedule and on task?

IO: Look, Doc, here's the thing: IO Practiceware designed its EMR with ophthalmologists like you in mind. Our touch-screen interface requires no fancy typing, no complex commands or codes. Not only is the touch pad easy to use, but it's way faster than writing, typing, or using a mouse.

Doctor: But won't it take me forever to learn how to use it?

IO: Au contraire, mon ami! Our staff works with you on-site for two weeks to teach you everything there is to know about using our EMR. Think of it as a kind of EMR boot camp, except you don't have to shave your head.

Doctor: Okay, okay. I'm intrigued. Can you tell me more?

(Stay tuned for Act II - "E-M-Are You Serious?")

At a Glance: EMR Background Info

"Why is everyone so obsessed with EMR?!" you shout at your computer screen.  "I take pride in my doctorly chicken scratch!" You hurl your microwaveable lunch at a potted plant and start convulsing.   Then stillness, before you whisper:

"What is the meaning of life?"

Indeed, it's understandable if thoughts of EMR induce inexplicable bouts of existentialism -- days where you wake up wondering why, oh WHY you must burden yourself with thoughts of electronics and software and other such technical nonsense.  Why, oh WHY!

There's no quick fix for these symptoms.  But, for starters, take a peek at this article, which will give you a basic overview of ophthalmology EMRs, their checkered past, their illustrious future.

Hugs and kisses,

IO

Welcome!

Welcome to IO Practiceware's official blog, where you'll find news, updates, articles, and case studies relating to our EMR and practice management software. We also post links and articles that involve or relate to the greater ophthalmology community. Questions or comments? Email our webmaster.