Technology

Endorsed Partner: SOUNDOFF Computing Corporation • Technology Solutions

Posted August 25th, 2009 in Managing Your Practice

The IT landscape is quickly changing - especially in the medical industry. New rules, regulations, and technology "solutions" are permeating the landscape, and it is important you stay informed. Your practice is reliant on productive use of technology assets: plan, purchase, use, maintain and secure. Keep the following in mind:

Topics: endorsed partners, Ofer, SOUNDOFF Computing, Technology

XP5, Vista6, or Windows 7

Posted July 28th, 2009 in Managing Your Practice

Computers and effective computing are an integral part of any successful medical practice. Like any good tool, proper use of computers can greatly enhance business processes, while improper computing practices can adversely affect the overall well-being of any practice regardless of its size. This issue of San Diego Physician launches a new monthly column that will analyze information technology, examine computing trends, and recommend best practices. We welcome your questions or comments at Editor@SDCMS.org.

Topics: Technology, Technology Matters, Vista6, Windows 7, XP5

Email Is Old

Posted October 10th, 2008 in Managing Your Practice

Physicians providing email communication with patients is growing slowly. Recent reports state that “only” 25% of physicians in 2006 are offering email services. This is remarkable because the percentage five years ago was closer to 5%. In the realm of diffusion of innovations, around 27-28% penetration if often a “tipping point” where an innovation cannot be stopped and will sweep society. I believe this will happen with email and physicians, most likely through secure web portals.

Topics: email, patient communications, Technology

1 Doctor, 0 Staff

Posted October 9th, 2008 in Managing Your Practice

When patients arrive at James Ochi’s office in San Diego, they flip a light switch in the waiting room to announce their arrival. When he’s ready to see them, the solo pediatric otolaryngologist greets them himself and leads them into the exam room. While this provides a nice personal touch to Ochi’s practice, it’s also a necessity — because he really is solo.

Topics: Health Information Technology, HIT, Practice Management, Solo Practice, Technology

Health Information Technology

Posted October 9th, 2008 in Managing Your Practice

Last Fall, a group from UCSD hosted a discussion of healthcare information technology (HIT) with the CEOs and CIOs of the healthcare providers throughout San Diego County, along with officers of SDCMS and the CEO of Qualcomm, Irwin Jacobs. Dr. Jacobs minced no words as he drove the agenda of the meeting. He politely but clearly chastised the entire gathering for failing to use HIT to support continuity of care for county residents, including his 8,000 employees.

Topics: EHR, electronic health records, Electronic Medical Records, EMR, Health Information Technology, HealthConnect, HIT, Kaiser Permanente, Technology

Technology

Posted September 22nd, 2008 in Managing Your Practice

I say both. Take today for example. I went to the hospital to make rounds. Back in the dark ages (last year), I would go to the ward, pull patient charts, grab the paper printouts of the labs and swing by X-ray to glean information. Pretty easy, low stress. This morning I logged on the computer to get the labs — not so fast. The computer told me my password was invalid. I tried again. It then told me I was locked out. Yesterday it was okay. What happened to invalidate me overnight? I called IT for help. First they told me to do three things. No go. Then they told me they would call back.

Topics: Technology

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