VMan,
I agree completely with Vinny. Not a good idea not to,
.
I think you may be making this harder than it is. Either go completely wireless or hard wire the desktop. Then run the laptop from the exam room wirelessly. Put a fairly speedy processor up front, but put as much RAM as possible, it's dirt cheap. This way, although I hate it, if you do go to a second room and do not wish to purchase computers for each room, you can carry your laptop with you.
While there has been much discussion about taking laptops to nursing homes and, therefore, the ability to synchronize -- which has its bugs and limitations and is an entirely different subject -- becomes crucial. No matter how you try to work it, if you are manipulating data at home or she/he is manipulating data at work (appts, whatever), then your databases will not be the same. You would have to sync them.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOUR NOT TAKING THE LAPTOP OUT OF THE OFFICE EVER if your sole purpose of taking it home is to "catch up" on work. There are a few things in play here:
1. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I can count the number of times I haven't a) finished the note b) printed or fax scripts, c) printed or faxed lab orders and d) WRITTEN THE REFERRAL NOTE while in the room on one hand. When I am done with the patient, I am done with the note, and, more importantly, when I am done with the last patient, I am done.
2. If you do have work left over (please not charting), then do it at the office. Why do it at home when your family would rather have your full attention? OK, so I recognize that it is better for some to come home and spend time with the spouse and kids and then do some work, but as Wayne mentioned use LogMeIn or Remote Desktop or any number of free VPNs that Vinny can help you with.
If going to nursing homes requires the removal of your laptop, then I guess that is necessary, but there are a myriad of reasons why it is not a great idea. I remember during the age of paper, when taking a chart home was considered a huge no no. The databases are not encrypted, and there would have to be some sort of HIPAA issue. Laptops get stolen rather easily. It is just too big of a risk in my opinion. So, in short:
1. Skip the server for now
2. Modem and wireless router/firewall
3. Fast XP Pro desktop for secretary with really nice 19" widescreen flat panel. (Gotta keep your receptionist happy)
4. Do ALL of your charting at work
5. What little you don't get done, use LogMeIn.
