[This is a comment on some of the various topics in this thread]

As I've mentioned before, we have been using AC since version 1, but are now in a holding pattern on v8.3.0 (due to concerns over v9's restricted ability to substitute server computers).
My concern is that we may not eventually be able to continue with 8.3.0, as CPT/ICD codes may not be published for AC versions <9, and perhaps the ability to send RXs electronically may be curtailed unless we upgrade.

It is too bad that the software under PriMed has become so much more expensive for a small solo practice such as ours (I think it was originally $200?), but I can understand that in order to be used with so many additional govt. security requirements, etc., it costs money to keep the software in compliance.

We don't use any of the Practice Management features of AC, preferring to export groups of bills to an offsite medical billing company.

With regard to Jon Bertman, I can't say that I blame him for getting out when he did; I doubt he expected that he would have to deal with all of the security restrictions, govt. data collection stipulations, network interactions, etc.

2002 was a very different world for EMRs, we saw AC mainly as a way of getting rid of the towering shelves of paper patient charts we saw in other offices.

I remember, before we had heard of AC, I had started to write my own EMR for our Mac computers. I laugh to think of it now, as the HIPAA requirements alone would eventually have presented quite a challenge to my programming skills, never mind an interface to electronic prescribing, Meaningless Use, etc. :-)