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| Issue 3. July, 2006 |
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Microsoft Highlights AdvancedMD Technology Through its use of Microsoft© software to deliver its Web-based service, AdvancedMD Software–and its customers–are benefiting from low ownership costs, ease of management, rapid time-to-market, and superior uptime. Microsoft recently published a case study highlighting its relationship with AdvancedMD and how use of Microsoft products helped AdvancedMD create our practice management and EMR software. As a certified Microsoft Partner, AdvancedMD is honored to be chosen for this case study. The full study is available on Microsoft's website here. One of the key points made in the case study is that from inception, AdvancedMD wanted software that featured all the benefits of the web, without the drawbacks like slow loading screens. We call this concept "web native." That is, we built our software from the ground up to work on the web. We didn't create a traditional software program and then try to retrofit it to the web. The decision making process in choosing software technologies is also discussed. AdvancedMD software used AJAX (Asynchronous Javascript and XML) technologies from the beginning, a pioneering choice since LINUX was making headway at the time as free (open source) software. AJAX technology not only allows us to reach our goals of providing a web based tool that behaves as if it were installed locally, but allows multiple users within a medical file. Changes to medical records can be made simultaneously with absolute accuracy and security. Using Microsoft products has also allowed AdvancedMD to upgrade seamlessly as our customer base has grown. Our customers get the latest software without ever having to buy upgrades or install new software. The reliability of Microsoft products and our co-located hosting allows AdvancedMD to have 99.99% uptime. Our clients' access to their records is always available. Partnering with a world leader in software solutions has allowed AdvancedMD to provide a valuable product to the medical community with a fair price. We'll be strengthening our relationship with Microsoft over the coming months as we upgrade several systems to improve performance and accommodate growth.
Nature is unpredictable and severe weather can create disasters almost at any time. As the city of New Orleans and the Gulf region continue to rebuild from last year's hurricane Katrina a new set of tropical storms are brewing in the Atlantic. Natural disasters aren't just limited to hurricanes. New England is cleaning up from a surprise torrential downpour that left many homes and businesses under several feet of water. Every summer forest fires threaten homes and businesses in the Western United States. It almost seems like a disaster can happen at any time! Disasters come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it's a hurricane, fire, break-in or even a massive power outage, how much damage the disaster causes can be determined by the preparation of the people affected. This is especially true for businesses. While you can't control the disaster, you can control some of the damage, particularly when it comes to getting your business back to business quickly. Medical professionals are particularly vulnerable since disasters tend to create more time spent with patients or people in need of medical help. This article will discuss five main concepts doctors who run their own practice should take into account, even if the biggest disaster you may ever face is a power outage. Protect office data Key data to protect includes financials, payroll, employee records and most importantly, patient data. This data should be backed up and stored in a safe off-site location. Patient data should be easily accessible in case they need medical attention during the disaster. This is especially true of those patients who need maintenance drugs. AdvancedMD users get automatic data protection because this practice management software is web-based. Get back to business quickly Have a plan in place to get your office back up as soon as possible. Are computers turned off before you leave the office? Do you have a back up plan to work from home if your office is taken out of commission? One of our clients recently reported on a message board,
Accounts receivable control – protect your income If you've followed step one, you will find there are outstanding receivables that may need to be resubmitted to the payer. If you didn't back up your data, those claims may never be paid. You'll also need a process in place to submit new billings. Practice portability Could your practice survive if your office had to close for a few days or a few months? Can you practice remotely? Consider equipping an emergency portable practice that includes cellular phones, laptops, your most important business records and fax/email software. Keep this equipment stored in a safe off-site location and should the worst happen, you have the tools needed to stay in business. Communication lines Develop a plan for communicating with your patients and employees. While the lingering downtime of many disasters may only last a short time, some disasters are so destructive that infrastructure can be disabled for many months. Cellular phones, by design, work even when landline phones won't. While cell phones are pretty ubiquitous these days, it may be helpful to get a couple extra lines for emergencies only. The phone numbers should be given in advance to patients and employees so lines of communication can remain open even in confusing and frustrating circumstances. As we head into month three of what some weather experts believe will be a very active hurricane season, let's remember that while the disaster can't be controlled, how it affects us and our business can be. Resources |
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