Home Forums Discussions General Discussion List of needed equipement to start a practice

Hello all,
I am starting a cardiology practice. I would like to know what exact equipments I need to hook up to AC. We plan to use Easy Claims. We are going to do ECG, Echo and Ex stress.
Please send me your suggestions as far as server, backup, fax, scanner, laptops, desktops, softwares,,,,,
Thank you so much.
Mo

My suggestions, based on what I'm using, and what I wish I had:
- Computers with Intel (Pentium Dual Core or better) or AMD processor (Athlon 64 X2 or better) running at 2 GHz or faster, gigabit ethernet network card (at least one each at reception, nursing station and physician office). For increased efficiency, wireless tablet or netbook for exam room use.
- OS: Windows 7 Pro, Vista Business, XP Pro or Windows Server 2003 or newer, with latest Service Packs.
- RAM: 2 GB or more.
- Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher (netbooks with screens of 10.1" or less may not be able to display the whole application window). For staff computers, recommend 17-19" flat panels, for physician -- as big as you can fit on your desk -- those windows to review and sign off imported items are pretty small on a laptop
- Hard Drive: 160 GB or more.
- Cat 5e or 6 network cabling throughout the office.
- high speed internet connection.
- gigabit router (add wireless N router if using wireless client computers).
- network multifunction fax/scanner/laserprinter.
- portable backup drive(s) to take off site.
- Dragon DNS 10.1 Medical voice recognition software by Nuance, with a VXi Parrot TalkPro headset mike, Sennheiser BW 900 Wireless Microphone or Dictaphone PowerMic II Handheld Microphone.
- LogMeIn Pro on the main computer for out of office access to patient records
- Adobe Acrobat Standard or Pro, Paperport or Updox to manage incoming faxed documents.

Amazing Charts will run on a laptop using Windows XP and an inkjet printer, of course (see the website for minimum requirements), but that's not very efficient for your time.

Pay off everything suggested above by doing one of those unnecessary tonsillectomies that President Obama says we all do to make more money.

Thank you John. What do you suggest for fax, scanner and printer? Mo

I am presently using the Brother MFC-8890DW, which has a wired or wireless network connection, network fax/scanning/laser-printing. It was very simple to set up and has functioned flawlessly on our network for the past 8 months. The unit is half the price and the 8,000 page toner cartridge is about 40% cheaper than the equivalent HP or Canon.

The laser printer is 33 sides a minute and also works as a double-sided copier. We have found the print quality very good.

It saves the scans or incoming faxes as .tiff or .jpg files, so you need to open them to review with Adobe Acrobat, Paperport, Updox or a similar program, and then save those you want in AC as .pdf format. Scansoft PaperPort SE with OCR for Windows and Presto PageManager for Mac is included on the software CD.

Of course, it also can just print out the faxes, if you prefer. Fax settings are also compatible with VoIP internet-based phone services, if you use Vonage, for instance.

Be aware that there are presently no fax or scan drivers for Windows Server, so it will not work with the fax or scan server roles (it will function with the print server role). However, individual client computers on the network can use the included Brother software to use the 8890DW fax, print and scan functions directly.

Oh, and I don't work for the manufacturer.

I'd be interested in hearing back from you on your recommendations for ECG machines.

Try Welch Allyn cardioperfect. Unfortunately no AC interface yet.

I have the Cardioperfect and I think it is excellent.

Our solo FP practice uses a Windows Server 2003, but we are looking at upgrading it before long because more and more new software is not compatible with it. Also, recommend the Fugitsu ScanSnap S510 for faster scanning. The scanner on most multi-function machines is usually a good bit slower. We are also using Microsoft Shared Fax for electronic faxing in and out. We are as paperless as possible, so don't print faxes.

My biggest recommendation? Get an IT consultant. Good Luck!