Issue 11 -August 2004

Better practice management
High-tech gadets you’ll want — and need
By David Marcarian

I remember a good friend saying to me a few months ago that instead of going to an appliance superstore to see the latest in technology, he visits my home. I admit it — I’m a techno-addict. My excuse is that as a product designer, it’s only natural for me to keep close tabs on the latest high-tech equipment — for both personal and business use.

For those of you who are a bit less dedicated to technological progress, I’ve reviewed my personal favorites in “best high-tech gadgets.” While some of these products seem more oriented to personal use, all of them have as much potential application in your practice as the computer hardware and software you have come to find essential.

Remember that progressive technology speaks well of you and your practice and will have a longer shelf life than buying older, soon-to-be obsolete equipment. And, you’ll have more fun. After all, everyone knows that the gadgets you want are the gadgets you need.

• TIVO. With this or similar devices, you can view current programming or track and record future programming. You can easily record a broad array of programming for use in your office reception area, kid’s section or for patient-education classes, presentations or “parents’ night out” promotions.

• Satellite radio. This wasn’t high on my list of “got-to-have-gadgets” until I discovered it in a new car and realized the availability of commercial-free programming. Your office could probably benefit from a system that provides a broad selection of music, free from pharmaceutical ads and other commentary that do not promote your practice’s intent.

• Camera phone. This popular item is selling fast but remains a bit complicated to use and lacks photographic quality. Compact, portable photography is a great convenience for doctors who never know when they’ll have an injury or event to document. The double-duty camera phone could be the answer.

• Digital camera. Photographic preview along with ease of image transmission and reproducibility are just some of the reasons for this product’s popularity. But aside from these reasons, consider having a digital camera in the office to equip you to take high-resolution photographs for documenting injuries and patient progress.

• Keychain LED lights. These tiny dynamos are just as bright as bigger flashlights. Be sure to evaluate light size prior to purchasing.These lights provide additional safety lights for your office and you might like to give one to each of your staff to carry on their keychains.

• Digital video camera. If you decide to tackle the technology for either personal or practice use and invest time to master its use, compare features and ergonomics of digital video cameras carefully before you buy. With the right digital video camera you can create your own practice introduction or patient-education videos or do lesser projects such as recording presentations, meetings or events.

• CD burner. CD burners are very economical now, as are the writable CDs they use. But if your goal is to create custom CDs, remember that computer savvy and massive disk space are required to mix your own CDs. But, if you’ve got the skill and the gear, the same opportunities are yours in the practice promotion and patient education areas.

• MP3 player. One of these little devices (about the size of a deck of playing cards) can hold the content of 400 CDs. MP3 players allow bulk storage and easy transport of large amounts of CD content, so if you like to listen or learn while you drive, or this portability is important to you for other reasons, your gadget has arrived.

• PDA. PDA stands for “personal digital assistant.” These devices have become great for schedule management and storing contact information. The next perk in these devices is to be able to show photos and videos. For the technically inclined, a PDA is a definite time-saver.

• USB flash drive. My top honor goes to these handy and affordable little gems. These small “key” devices plug into your computer’s USB port to provide external storage up to 10 times that of a 100 MB zip disk. I use them to back up important data from accounting programs and to carry important files that I need to transfer between computers. They typically work seamlessly with all Windows XP or 2000 computers, but a driver installation is required for Windows 98 compatibility. Expect to pay from $30 to $500 per drive, depending on size.

• Hardware firewall. With high-speed Internet access providing an always-on connection, a hardware firewall is essential. Today, security threats are so pervasive that various security software and hardware combinations are frequently recommended. Important features include Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and some form of encryption if you are using wireless networking, but be selective.

Don’t forget that you must set up encryption — it is not a default process. Stop by your local computer store or consult your technician for help in selecting what’s best for you. The safety and security of your information, and your system, is vital.

• High-tech portable booth. This is a super-compact, easy-to-use, self-contained portable screening booth that will end excuses about why you are not at events. A portable booth brings sophistication and convenience together and allows you to present yourself in a professional manner to potential new patients.

• Portable power units. How many times have you turned down participating in an event because the organizer didn’t provide AC power? Here are some “gadgets” for running your computer equipment (or similar light load electrical) When no power is available, use a gas-powered electric generator or a deep-cycle marine battery connected to a 400-watt power inverter. You may also be able to find a prepackaged battery/inverter/AC connector kit. You can get more information at www.voltageconverters.com.

“Gadgets” can contribute a lot to your life and to your practice. When you look at new technology, don’t place limits on its applications or possibilities. You may find more potential than you ever imagined. Do a thorough job of researching and evaluating products prior to purchasing them and you should enjoy them for a long time.

David Marcarian, MA, is founder and president of Precision Biometrics, supplier of the MyoVision and Thermoglide systems. His SEMG equipment was recently credited for its success in helping win a $650,000 jury award for an accident victim with soft tissue injuries. He can be reached at 800-969-6961, at david@myovision.com, or visit his company’s Web site at www.myovision.com.