@Paul, I have to admit I have never tried the Brothers fax machines. Just figured they were pretty good. It would seem, though, that the two I put on Tips and Tricks would have to save in PDF format. I can't imagine any fax machine that costs more than $20 not be able to save in the most universal format. I dont think you have any HIPAA issue with any file coming to your computer. If you bring faxes to your desktop, it is the same as bringing paper onto the fax. You still have to put it somewhere. Same as the digital files.
Yes, I use File Assistant Pro to manage my faxes. I can't imagine myself using anything else. It's a program designed from the ground up to handle medical faxes and images. Personally, I just can't see importing into AC and having to go to a patient chart everytime I want to find data. Besides, it takes way less time for my staff to name a document than it would if they have to import it, and I do not have to play the game of signing them in my inbox. I can import tens and tens of documents while in the room if I choose.
@Barbara, I don't know if I can help. There is no way to really change if you are so used to documenting perfectly. My hat goes off to you, because I am most likely not like that. Of course, most of my visits are OM, Abdominal pain, Med checks, Colds, etc. Simply takes me about 30 to 60 seconds to chart in the room. Of course, I can code for three diagnoses, give a CPT of 99215, place two referrals in Sharepoint/Company web, and write two referral letters, four prescriptions plus a script for Oxycodone, two lab orders, and two AC Lab Labels and a partridge in a pear tree all while in the room. I guess it's a mindset. I simply will not come out of a room until everything is done. Now, I do not even want to say I even come close to the amount of problems an FP has.
I think I had the advantage of using AC back in '03 before I set up my new office. I was able to set up my network as I wanted, my rooms the way I wanted and had a good idea of how I wanted the work flow to go. With Sharepoint, I go into our intranet, click on referrals, click on new referral, type in the name and the diagnosis of chronic abdominal pain, click on notes and select referral letter done. I click save and talk again with the patient. By the time they get to checkout, my receptionist, who instantly received an Outlook email of the referra, has made the referral and given the date and time to the patient.
Jim, I am glad you are making the transition to a paperless office.
