12/03/2024    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EMR) - PART 2

RE: Scanning Paper Records (John Moglia, DPM) 

From: Al Musella, DPM

 

If you’re dealing with old records, I wouldn’t bother with an EMR system for them. Instead, just scan each entire chart into a single pdf file, including all reports and even billing records if necessary. Name the pdfs with a consistent format, like LastName_FirstName_DOB. For file organization: If you have fewer than 1,000 charts: Store all the files in a single root directory. If you have more than 1,000 charts: Create sub-directories for each letter of the alphabet and organize the files into folders based on the first letter of the patient’s last name.

 

To secure the data: Encrypt the drive using a tool like BitLocker (included with most versions of Windows except the Home edition). Backup the encryption key or password in multiple secure locations to ensure you don’t lose access. Make three copies of the data on three separate external drives. Keep one in the office for quick access. Store one in a safety deposit box for long-term backup. Keep one at home as an additional backup.

 

Important Notes About Storage Media: Hard Drives: Hard drives don’t last indefinitely, especially if left unused. Their lifespan is typically 3–5 years. I learned this the hard way when I tried to recover photos from a 30-year-old drive. Solution: Each year, copy one of the drives onto a new external drive. Verify that you can open and decrypt the files, then destroy the old drive. Rotate this process yearly so that each drive gets replaced every 3 years. Optical Discs (DVDs/Blu-rays): These last longer than hard drives but are harder to encrypt. Thumb Drives: Thumb drives are easier to access and encrypt, and they’re simple to destroy when no longer needed—just smash them!

 

Al Musella, DPM, Hewlett, NY

Other messages in this thread:

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03/05/2024    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EMR) - PART 2

RE: How to Save EMR Notes

From: Daniel Chaskin, DPM

 

Why not save every chart note electronically as a .PDF file to protect against your EHR provider closing down? If you are computer savvy, you can program a macro to automatically perform this task.

 

Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY

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12/04/2014    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EMR) - PART 2B

RE: FOZ Networks Digital X-Ray System (William Axton, DPM)

From: Nick Turner

 

I have worked with quite a few different distributors and installers associated with A2D2 (along with many other digital x-ray devices) over the past few years, and I would highly recommend FOZ Networks for their pricing, professionalism, and customer service.

 

FOZ Networks has worked with half a dozen of our podiatrist super-group members within the past 4 months, all of whom have given glowing remarks regarding both the system and their services. PSGM chose to work with FOZ Networks as a preferred and approved vendor due to their transparency/consistency with both pricing and product capabilities, along with their professionalism and customer service. 

 

Disclosure: FOZ Networks is an approved vendor of Podiatric Super Group Management, LLC.

 

Nick Turner, Chief Operating Officer of Podiatric Super Group Management

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12/04/2014    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EMR) - PART 2A

RE: FOZ Networks Digital X-Ray System (William Axton, DPM)

From: Raymond F Posa, MBA

Let me start by stating that I have no financial interest in any digital x-ray company. When I lecture on technology issues, I always do it in a non-commercial manner because I have no financial interest in any company. I always remain objective and my number one concern is always for the podiatrists.

That being said, over the years, I have visited numerous podiatric offices and have firsthand knowledge of many of the digital x-ray systems on the market. I have to say the system being sold by FOZ Networks is one of the best on the market. The unit uses a CCD camera and forwards the image to the computer in about 6 seconds. The FOZ unit is also the only one on the market that offers free lifetime support at no charge. All of the other DR systems charge monthly maintenance fees, and most often those fees only cover the software. The support from FOZ is second to none; they are quick and responsive. They also work very closely with the manufacturer; so repairs, remediations and upgrades are handled quickly. The manufacturer is also very responsive to creating interfaces for all major EMR programs, so your x-rays can be put directly into patient files.

 

My recommendation to all podiatrists, when shopping for a digital x-ray unit, is to look beyond the bottom line price. Look for quality, and look at a 5-years' cost of ownership. Then you will find the real deal.

 

Raymond F Posa, MBA, Farmingdale, NJ