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Bye Bye PACT
Featured in: Physician EMR Review
Dr Rob mourns the fact that HIMSS is no longer continuing the conferences aimed at educating physicians on EMR adoptionI just got done giving my talk at the PACT (Physicians Adopting
Computer Technology) conference in Massachusetts, and this will
apparently be the last one. Over the last year, HIMSS has put on at
least 12 of these conferences (6 of them this year) in cities around
the country. The goal is to get physicians who have successfully
adopted to talk about the do's and don'ts of EMR adoption. The response
has been quite good for physicians and staff who attended the meetings.
They are very practical talks on how to pick out an EMR, the pitfalls
of contracts, how to implement, and some practical information about
the DOQ-IT project. As the time has passed from the first one in the
Fall of 2004 up to today, I have seen a growing intensity among
physicians about EMR. I think that they recognize that the writing is
on the wall and that they would be smart to find out more about EMR.
These talks also give an opportunity for the vendors to reach an eager
audience.
Yet they are not funding these for the future, and I
am not sure why. The word from the folks at HIMSS is that it is not
profitable (they are losing money). Now, I was not aware that they
intended on making a profit from these (I am sure that the speakers
were significantly over-paid). With the finances available to HIMSS and
the benefit for the vendors, I really don't know why they are not doing
more of these. I am sure that other organizations, such as AHQA would
be willing to help keep this series going on for the benefit it gives
to them. It just doesn't make sense to me.
This means that the
main avenue for education of physicians regarding IT will be the
salespeople from the EMR vendors. This is a very bad place to get
information. Salespeople tend to focus only on what their product does
well and do not focus on the idea of workflow redesign, which is far
more crucial than note-generation. I just had this discussion with a
physician in Boston today, who did not realize he needed to consider
more than the note-generation aspect of an EMR. Who will give them that
message now? The "EMR Roadshow," from what I hear, is much more vendor
driven, plus it is set on being profitable, so the quality (I heard
this from both attendees and speakers) is significantly less than that
of the PACT conferences.
So PLEASE don't close the book on the
PACT conferences HIMSS. I think there are ways to share the burden of
cost so that it will not be a financial drain (was it really that
bad??). Your speakers are all sad to see this go - it was a very nice
opportunity to mingle with physicians in the process of deciding. It
was our chance to help them to not make the big mistakes we made. It
would be a big mistake for HIMSS to get rid of PACT
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Comments (21)
That prices vary among EMR vendors. Most will pitch the idea of electronic note generation +/- E/M coding help. The fact is, however, that note generation is a small part of what a doctor's office does. There are many workflows that are broken and can be improved with EMR. Our product (GE) has pretty much allowed us to change nearly every aspect to our care, from billing, to phone calls, to quality reporting and improvement. Yes, it costs more, but as they say...you get what you pay for.
I am sorry you had to learn the hard way.
Rob
Augusta, GA
New Websites:
Musings of a Distractable Mind
I certainly do not agree! This product is user friendly and affortable (you only have to buy the modules that you need). We started using it in a solo family practice in 1998. Have since added an additional nine provider licenses. I have some providers who swore they would never touch a computer that are using it with proficiency and love it! There are a number of options for entering data -- some of my providers type their own notes, some use templates, and others dictate and our transcriptionists type right into the record. In the 8 years we've been successfully using this product, I appreciate that when I call support (and I haven't needed them much), I get a person that can answer my question. There are lots of training options available, depending on your learning style. Thank you for a great product!
#4: SOAPware
I have been using SOAPware (by DOC's Inc.) since 1998 and I have no idea where this guy "tt07" is coming from. SOAPware has been a sound and reliable EMR and is routinely being improved as the EMR world evolves. It is, and has been all these years, an indispensable part of my practice. What "tt07" is upset about, i.e., the modules that are purchased individually, is an asset, not a fault. For the practice that wishes the EMR to grow with their needs, SOAPware is there with a wide variety of modules to fit your documentation needs. If "tt07" was unhappy why not simply ask for his investment back (DOC's has a guarantee). I have simply not seen a more reliable and consistent EMR program for the money.
Enough said...
Dr. H
#5: Soapware
I would like to provide an alternate opinion about Soapware compared to that given by Mike. I am a solo Internist and have been using Soapware since 2002. Affordability is an issue for solo or small group practitioners and the price of Soapware will allow most providers to get into an EMR. It is an intuitive program and lends to the use of macros or free text. It is easily customizable. The IT support staff is superb. Soapware has solved many quality of care and work-flow issues in my office. Please do not hesitate to write me if you are considering using it and have any questions. Laura Preston, MD
I started out in solo practice about 2 years ago. I got estimates from several vendors, including GE, EMDs, eClinical Works, PMSI, etc. They were well over 15,000! Then I found SOAPware; it was written by a family doctor, and served my purposes just fine; I installed on my laptop, didn't have to buy a server, and added modules gradually as my practice expanded. I agree it's not the most high-tech product like some of the others, but it's very economical. The company is coming up with a killer product - Soapware Liger, and if you look at the functionality it is a big improvement over even the more expensive products. Also, I am able to do e-prescribing, and export charts, and Soapware has dedicated themselves to being a truly "open" record. I use Soapware in conjunction with Medisoft for billing. As for the documentation, the macros actually save time and create a nice note that doesn't look like it was generated by a computer. If you want, you can buy dragon dictate and dictate your note directly in the computer if you don't type fast.
I think even $4000 for a complete package is very reasonable compared to $15,000+ for the other guys - and I know Soapware will be around, they have excellent customer service, and the ongoing annual fees are minimal for what you get. Any problems I have had have been resolved by customer service.
Please feel free to contact me for any specifics on Soapware, and I am happy with it overall and pleased with the new version that is going to be coming out.
I started out in solo practice about 2 years ago. I got estimates from several vendors, including GE, EMDs, eClinical Works, PMSI, etc. They were well over 15,000! Then I found SOAPware; it was written by a family doctor, and served my purposes just fine; I installed on my laptop, didn't have to buy a server, and added modules gradually as my practice expanded. I agree it's not the most high-tech product like some of the others, but it's very economical. The company is coming up with a killer product - Soapware Liger, and if you look at the functionality it is a big improvement over even the more expensive products. Also, I am able to do e-prescribing, and export charts, and Soapware has dedicated themselves to being a truly "open" record. I use Soapware in conjunction with Medisoft for billing. As for the documentation, the macros actually save time and create a nice note that doesn't look like it was generated by a computer. If you want, you can buy dragon dictate and dictate your note directly in the computer if you don't type fast.
I think even $4000 for a complete package is very reasonable compared to $15,000+ for the other guys - and I know Soapware will be around, they have excellent customer service, and the ongoing annual fees are minimal for what you get. Any problems I have had have been resolved by customer service.
Please feel free to contact me for any specifics on Soapware, and I am happy with it overall and pleased with the new version that is going to be coming out.
#8: SOAPWare
I have found SOAPWare to be an inexpensive, especially compared to other products, program that has worked essentially without flaw for the last 3 years. I bought what I needed and was not required to pay the price for stuff not necessary to my practice. Every EMR has its flaws and different users will like different aspects of ways of using the product, depending on what they are comfortable with doing. I checked out other products extensively and the cost of SOAPWare plus my hardware was cheaper than the cost of the other EMRs alone. SOAPWare also is set up like a patient file with important information on patient history on one side with the current SOAP on the other. It makes it easy to update and keep in your mind important information.
#9: SOAPware
I agree with Debbie. I have used the software since 2004, the technical support is excellent. It is one of the most affordable solutions. You have to spend time and money no matter which EMR you choose. In various forums I have asked repeatedly what can a more expensive EMR do that you cannot do with SOAPware, and I am still waiting for the answer! The new version sounds fantastic, they have made sure that it will not crash and leave you hanging. My real world experience has been that when I was not able to run the program from my office (once I lost power and it messed up the server, another time I had not set up the files properly) Tech support had me running in less than 30 minutes! And all this excellent service during normal business hours for only $300 a year!
RE SOAPware -- works for me!
I've used SOAPware since 1997; published an article in Family Practice Management how I used it in a hospital-owned office.
http://www.aafp.org/fpm/20000600/43howa.html
Now that I'm on my own solo since Dec 2004, I continue to use this product. I've been able to customize it for my needs, printing prescriptions for each pt, handing out a take home note at the point of care, printing a summary for each pt. Agreed, it is not all things to all people, but it serves my purposes quite well.
Dr Matt Levin
Pittsburgh, PA
#11: Soapware
Soapware rocks!! In the 10 years I have been using SW I have watched it go from good to great. A number of the surgery residents who rotate through my office have seen its functionality and adaptability and have eventually incorporated it into their own practices. The developers are accessible and helpful. Over the years I have seen most if not all of my suggestions for improvement added to the next version. If only all software could be so effective and all software developers be so responsive to their users. R. Meals, MD
#12: Soapware
I have been using Soapware for 3 years. I am very happy with this program. You can buy the basic module for only $300 and get started. You can then add other modules as you need or can afford them. If you prefer to get all the modules at once, the Soapware web site currently lists the Super Bundle for $1999 and the Gold Bundle for $3999. This is still much lower than most other EMRs. Also Soapware comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. I use it in a paperless outpatient practice. Soapware of course supports cut and paste function and I also use scanning, E-prescribing, electronic link to reference lab, health maintance module, and remote access. Soapware is a great program that meets my needs and is affordable. If anyone has questions about Soapware you may contact me at miller78@swbell.net or 817-467-9096.
tt07 clearly does not know what he is screaming about.
I have used SoapWare for two years. It is totally customizable. Labs go directly into chart. Paperwork scans in directly. Using MS SQL database give limitless capacity. Service is fantastic. The tech logs on remotely fixes the problem, I go back to seeing patients while he works. It has never crashed.
Mike sounds like the janitor who is playing with the computers when the office is closed... bad boy!!!!
#14: SOAPWARE
SOAPWARE does rock. I tried it on a whim before converting to a totally electronic office figuring that if I didn't like it, I could return it. It has every feature that the $40,000 EHRs do and then some. After using it for 5 years, I've been impressed with the techinical support and the constant improvement. My associate, a computer ignoramus, cannot send an email without help but has mastered SOAPWARE.
#15: SOAPWARE
Simply put, SOAPWARE by DOCS, Inc. is the most widely used EMR in the marketplace. And it's that for a reason: it works !
I researched countless EMR programs when our office moved to EMR.
We chose SOAPWARE. That was many years ago and we haven't had any cause to look back. Quite a few doctors have visited our office to observe SOAPWARE in
action during their search for an EMR and have made the decision to
choose SOAPWARE for their practice too.
I won't go into detail about Soapware - the product speaks for itself. I have been a user since 2002 and have been extraordinarily satisfied with its functionality and dependability right out of the box. I have needed help from tech support....maybe twice. My production and note quality improved dramatically 1 week after initiating SW.
It serves its purpose well in my practice. I am the envy of so many physicians who visit my practice and watch me use it.
I am afraid tt07 has either never used the product and is some competitor trying to bash a product, or otherwise an computer-challenged person who will have problems with any EMR he tries to use.
Folks - it can't get any easier than Soapware...and I understand the new version is even better! Can't wait to see it !!!
tt07 has no idea what he is talking about. Obviously, he has not put in the time to research products out there.
Soapware is robust and reliable.
The product speaks for itself.
I am actually good friends with one of your most famous users, and have no personal problem with the product. I find it strange, however, that you found it wise to gather a "posse" and have this many responses to a negative review. If the product is doing well and speaks for itself, then let it do so. A negative review should easily be overcome by the quality of the product (especially from an unknown source).
It disturbs me that this response had to happen like it did. I am glad you are all happy with your product and are doing well. You certainly are aware that any product will have its detractors. One or two responses would have been adequate. What happened seems ominously like spam to me. Be careful; you may be hurting more than you are helping.
Rob
Augusta, GA
New Websites:
Musings of a Distractable Mind
#19: SOAPware
I have used three other EMR systems from 2001 to 2003. I began using SOAPware in 2004 and have no plans to look at another system. I have a paperless office and love it.
#20: SOAPware
Regarding the "posse", in the AAFP listserve roughly half of the respondents have PP , and half have SOAPware. I have a vested interested in defending SOAPware, I have spent now over two years using it in my practice, I am paranoid that if I (We?) don't defend the program some pencil pusher will decide that the VA Vista or some other program will be the government's choice. Then I will have to spend more time and money learning to use a new program, and God knows how much it would cost to transfer my SOAPware data into a different program. I agree with some Libertarian ideas, you should be allowed to use whatever program you choose, or can afford. Other programs have large corporations behind them, SOAPware needs the "little" guys to fight for it in the EMR jungle. SOAPware has implemented sharing of customizations, for other programs you have to buy other templates if you don't like the original ones! It does not help anybody to villify any EMR, like chocolate and vanilla ice cream, sometimes it is just your choice!
We are a solo ob/gyn practice and have used Soapware since 2004. It is great, very affordable and tech support is outstanding. I will be adding additional licenses soon! I did look at over a dozen systems before choosing Soapware and I have been working on computers since the punched card time, since 1977.
Vel
WE INSTALLED A PROGRAM IN OUR OFFICE CALLED SOAPWARE - SAVE YOUR MONEY DOCS!! - THIS IS THE WORSE PROGRAM EVER WRITTEN - BASICS LIKE SPELL CHECKERS DONT WORK CORRECTLY - YOU CANT EVEN RIGHT CLICK TO CUT AND PASTE WITH A MOUSE - THERE ARE SO MANY FAULTS YOU CANT POSSIBLY LIST THEM ALL . THE PROGRAM IS BASICALY A BUNCH OF MACROS THAT THEY WNAT YOU TO MEMORIZE OR CREATE - ITS LOOKS LIKE IT WAS WRITTEN ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO - AND THE COST - ITS A TOTAL COME ON - I THNK THEY USE TO SELL VACUUM CLEANERS -YEA ITS $300 TO START BY THE TIME YOU bUY WHAT YOU NEED TO RUN THE PROGRAM IT WILL COST YOU OVER $5000 - ITS A PIECE OF GARBAGE STAY AWAY!!!!