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

Troubleshooting: Stop the "Anti-Virus" Virus

Hey everybody,

Many of you have been asking questions about a recent "anti-virus" virus that infiltrates your system by pretending to be anti-virus software.  Once you install the "software," it infects your system so you then have to buy more and more virus-disguised-as-software to eradicate it.  Pretty tricky, right?  Like eating ice cream cake to lose weight!  Or shaving your head to grow out your hair!  Or asking Tom Cruise for advice!

But, behold:  here is an article from PC World that explains how to remove the virus from your computer.  Bam.  It's time we out-virused the anti-virus virus.  

Yours as ever,

IO

P.S. If you found this article helpful, have any questions, or know of any more info, leave us a post in our comments section!

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.

From the archives: A testimonial

Don't just take it from us, read here about one practice's successful implementation of IO Practiceware.  

(Of course, in the two years that have past since its publication, IO has made significant changes and improvements; still, this article might give you some useful perspective.)