Jon
I'm still not clear on how to get a fax in an electronic format from an MFP without using a fax-to-PC feature. Also, Could you tell me about the features you like best about Updox?
Khaled,
I would like to answer this briefly; unfortunately, I can't. First, I am not sure if your initial question refers to faxing in, or faxing out; so I will take a shot at both. My apologies if you already know much of this...or if I am wrong.
Also note that although this seems pretty simple at first, if you want a fairly automated system, the set-up is a bit more complex.
A fax coming in prints to paper until the day when you push the button on your MFP which tells it to save it as an electronic file. This should be an option on your machine; that is all of the "fax to pc" you need. The machine will ask you where to put those files. Usually the files are TIFF's. So now you have a bunch of TIFF files in a folder on your server. Next, you need to convert them to PDF's, assuming that is how you want to save your imported items. You need some sort of second program to do that; there are many. We use FaxTalk which is relatively cheap and reliable. It automatically converts the files to PDF's. UpDox does that, too. Others use PaperPort which requires you to open each file, convert it, and rename it. Next, you need to import the file into AC. Again, PaperPort will allow you to do that. We use UpDox (see below).
To fax out, the process is simple for a document that is already in digital form (e.g. anything in AC). Again, we find FaxTalk to be easy, quick, and reliable. Click the "print" button, use FaxTalk as your printer, and the document is faxed to the selection from your address book. UpDox also works well for this. If your document is on a piece of paper, you scan it to create a digital file and proceed as above.
So what about UpDox? I am reluctant to post much now; we are still evaluating the program (which has been a long process for us). Here is how I break it down...again, this is just my two cents:
I think of UpDox as handling three general functions:
1. Provides a "workspace" to collect incoming documents (faxes, emails) to be directed to the appropriate staff member and then dealt with. (E.g., a prescription refill is signed and sent back, or a lab result is sent to a nurse with instructions to contact the patient and arrange a test).
2. Acts as an interface to bring documents into AC, and
3. Allows you to create a portal which facilitates secure communication with patients about results, instructions, etc.
It does #1 and #2 efficiently; the number of "clicks" saved is dramatic. That may not sound like much, but over time I believe that to be well worth it. UpDox also provides a useful overall organization scheme for document handling, once you get accustomed to it. We have not gotten into #3 yet, so I can't speak to it.
Again, my statements about UpDox are abbreviated; I will have more to say later. At this point, I believe that it is well worth our subscription cost. It is also worth recognizing the responsiveness of the company. After just a couple of months of using the product, we have already seen upgraded versions which incorporate suggestions and issues which we have voiced to support staff. Compare that to some software (ahem) where problems have not been addressed after years of complaints.
I think a challenge for those selling UpDox is that it is tough to describe what it can do. You almost need to struggle for awhile with PaperPort or some other alternative to better appreciate the value of UpDox.
