The Medical Practice Start-Up Guide by Mark D. Halley & Michael J. Ferry

Author:Mark D. Halley & Michael J. Ferry
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Physician, Medical Practice Management, Halley Consulting Group, Doctor, Medical Practice Start-Up, Healthcare Practice, Starting a Medical Practice, Marc Halley, Starting a Healthcare Practice
Publisher: Greenbranch Publishing
Published: 2015-06-30T14:00:00+00:00

Hardware reliability

Performance speed

Plenty of hard-drive storage capacity

Reliable information technology (IT) support with great response time

When working through your needs analysis, remember that technology changes about every 18 months, at a minimum—and sometimes even faster. Therefore, growth options, long-term technical support, and equipment obsolescence should be included in your thought process.

Computer Networks

Even as a solo practitioner, you will have multiple computers in your office. Each computer will likely be connected to the Internet. In addition, they will likely need to connect to one another, creating an internal network, or “intranet.” There are two common approaches to connect personal computers (PCs) in an office setting. They can be connected through a central “server,” or they can be connected to each other directly in a peer-to-peer network. Each of these approaches will be discussed next.

A dedicated server system diagram looks much like a wagon wheel, with a server “hub” and PC and printer “spokes” attached to it. Your EMR and practice management system will reside on the server, and every PC in the clinic can access the common software and databases through data cables or a wireless signal. (If you run a wireless network, remember to change the default password on the wireless router and enable the highest level of security; otherwise, people outside of your network could use your Internet connection and possibly access your data.) Data cables, or “hard-wired” systems, will generally be a little faster than current wireless technology, but not significantly so. Servers for small networks tend to run several thousand dollars, but they have the power and speed to accommodate many user requests simultaneously and share resources (e.g., printers, Internet connection, file storage, and practice management software). Many servers can fit under a desk, although larger systems will usually end up in a “computer closet,” where the noise and heat given off by the machine will not be distracting. (Chapter Three includes an option to co-locate the network server in the telephone closet. Be sure to provide air conditioning in this space, because the heat generated can damage the equipment.)

Running a server network involves a few important challenges. A network server is complex and requires a higher level of expertise to maintain compared with individual PCs. You should plan to replace your server completely about every five years. You may also find that a hardware upgrade will be required at some point during the five-year life of the unit. In addition, dedicated servers require unique software to run properly. Do not forget to include software to protect against viruses and cyber-intruders when budgeting for the cost of the server. You will need to renew annual licenses for software, such as the server operating system, client “seats” (the number of users connected to the network), anti-virus, anti-spam and firewall (Internet-blocking). Do not be surprised to find that annual licenses (for software updates and maintenance fees) may be as much as $2,000 (or more) per program. Server software is much more expensive than PC software.

As mentioned, another common networking approach

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