Issue 1 - January 2003

A Technopeasant primer:
Going mobile in chiropractic
By Jeff Pasternack

Devices and applications that help healthcare providers achieve mobility can save you time. And time, as they say, is money. For those of you just starting to think about getting your feet wet, here’s the Technopeasant’s primer on going mobile.

Palm versus pocketPC
Blue screen of death gotcha down? Tired of being tormented by Windows on your desktop or laptop? Never fear! The torment can continue on your handheld device, compliments of Microsoft’s PocketPC, which runs on the Windows CE operating system. Windows CE-based systems just might monopolize the hand-held market in another few years, but for now, the Palm OS reigns supreme.

Although the actual numbers may vary, there are about 15,000 programs available for Palm-based machines, as opposed to the 1,700 programs available for PocketPCs. Palm-based systems also tend to cost less, with devices from Palm and Handspring starting in the $150 range and going up to $500 for the Handspring Treo 270/300, which includes a cell phone.

Windows CE is found in the Compaq iPAQ and is priced from $499-$799. Other companies such as NEC and Fujitsu are also making Windows CE-based devices. The Microsoft SmartPhone operating system just came out and can be found in VoiceStream’s T-Mobile for $599 plus an annual service agreement.

Regardless which system you decide to buy, a huge number of applications have been developed for healthcare providers to use. And the good news is that many are actually available for free. Here are a few programs you can look for:

Resources for the Palm OS
• Healthcare software site – www.healthypalmpilot.com
• Healthcare books and journals – www.handheldmed.com
• Patient-tracking program – www.patientkeeper.com

Resources for Windows CE
• Compaq’s Healthcare Initiatives – http://www.compaq.com/healthcare/success/ent_solutions.html

Chiropractic Software Sites for Handhelds

• www.acunotes.com – AcuNotes & Acupuncture Points Database

• www.cm-solutions.co.nz – Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatment notes

• www.chiropractic-software.com/ – SOAP notes and narratives

• www.timetrade.com – Online scheduling application

• www.medical-billing.info – all-in-one practice management system

• www.claken.com – DC Powernotes

• www.ezbis.com – office, billing and treatment notes

• www.cairo.cc – Cairo, ChiroOffice and Chiro Pad

• www.pacificvoice.com – voice recognition software

• www.micro4.com – PracticeStudio suite of products

• www.hna-inc.com – practice management software

• www.psmedical.com – PSChiro paperless solutions

• www.chiropulse.com – clinical and clerical software

• www.qnotes.com – quick notes documentation

10 Considerations for selecting a PDA
What’s the best buy for you in handheld computing?

Here are 10 things to consider:
1. Budget: Plan for two years of use; give yourself a tax write-off.

2. Size: It matters; belt clips help.

3. Color screen: Easier on the eyes and easier to read.

4. Software: If your electronic records or billing software already integrates with either Palm or PocketPC, go with it. Otherwise, make a choice to last two years.

5. Peers: What do your friends use? They can be a good source of help.

6. Battery: Palms generally last longer; color shortens battery life.

7. Memory Cards: Can the memory be expanded if needed or can you insert new cards?

8. Sound/Voice: Taking dictation might be a great feature for your PDA.

9. Input type: Stylus, thumb pad or handwriting?

10. Wireless: Probably will be critical by 2003.

_ Jeff Pasternack is president of Dynamic Consulting Group, LLC.