Comments on: Buying Equipment for a Medical Office http://privatepractice.md/2009/05/buying-equipment/ Lessons They Forgot To Teach You In Medical School Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:04:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Evans http://privatepractice.md/2009/05/buying-equipment/comment-page-1/#comment-331 Evans Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:38:49 +0000 http://privatepractice.md/?p=229#comment-331 What basic equipment and furniture should one start with? I know this question sounds silly but there are a lot of things going on in my mind and I need some guidance here. What basic equipment and furniture should one start with? I know this question sounds silly but there are a lot of things going on in my mind and I need some guidance here.

]]> By: Mark Bebout http://privatepractice.md/2009/05/buying-equipment/comment-page-1/#comment-283 Mark Bebout Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:45:53 +0000 http://privatepractice.md/?p=229#comment-283 Leasing is another very viable alternative for practices, even ones that have been practicing for a while who probably already have their systems in place. Something to consider and to ask your IT vendor about is the possibility of bundling your hardware into your service contract, this is still a relatively new practice that is picking up momentum and makes sound financial sense. Depending on your personal preferences (own v. lease) some IT vendors will offer you the ability to install new computer equipment that comes bundled with support services for the life of that computer, which is usually around 3 years. At the end of the 3 years the computer equipment is refreshed with new equipment. This can be done for a fixed monthly fee, which is small compared to the capex that you can run into when installing new systems. Also, with the bundled services that are attached to the equipment you are ensured that it will be maintained and supported. This shifts the burden of ownership to your IT vendor rather than your practice. Leasing is another very viable alternative for practices, even ones that have been practicing for a while who probably already have their systems in place. Something to consider and to ask your IT vendor about is the possibility of bundling your hardware into your service contract, this is still a relatively new practice that is picking up momentum and makes sound financial sense.

Depending on your personal preferences (own v. lease) some IT vendors will offer you the ability to install new computer equipment that comes bundled with support services for the life of that computer, which is usually around 3 years. At the end of the 3 years the computer equipment is refreshed with new equipment. This can be done for a fixed monthly fee, which is small compared to the capex that you can run into when installing new systems. Also, with the bundled services that are attached to the equipment you are ensured that it will be maintained and supported. This shifts the burden of ownership to your IT vendor rather than your practice.

]]> By: Dr. Rich Berning http://privatepractice.md/2009/05/buying-equipment/comment-page-/#comment-282 Dr. Rich Berning Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:58:44 +0000 http://privatepractice.md/?p=229#comment-282 Felix, I'm not exactly clear on your question but in general computerized billing and practice management systems are offered on a leased basis, or a subscription that renews. In fact you can get the hardware for "free" from some vendors, if you subscribe to their service. You have many options when it comes to chosing these systems. If you're just starting out, especially, I have found the companies to be willing to make the terms easier for the first year or so, then increase later, to give you time to get your practice up and running. If you aren't comfortable comparing your options, I'd strongly suggest you find a knowledgeable healthcare IT advisor to give you some objective guidance. Or at least visit a practice or two that use the system you're considering buying, before you make that big purchase. Felix,
I’m not exactly clear on your question but in general computerized billing and practice management systems are offered on a leased basis, or a subscription that renews. In fact you can get the hardware for “free” from some vendors, if you subscribe to their service. You have many options when it comes to chosing these systems. If you’re just starting out, especially, I have found the companies to be willing to make the terms easier for the first year or so, then increase later, to give you time to get your practice up and running. If you aren’t comfortable comparing your options, I’d strongly suggest you find a knowledgeable healthcare IT advisor to give you some objective guidance. Or at least visit a practice or two that use the system you’re considering buying, before you make that big purchase.

]]> By: Felix Chesterfield http://privatepractice.md/2009/05/buying-equipment/comment-page-1/#comment-281 Felix Chesterfield Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:51:56 +0000 http://privatepractice.md/?p=229#comment-281 Does this refer to companies like cearner or <a href="http://www.ecaos.com/default.aspx" rel="nofollow">ECAOS</a> ? Does this refer to companies like cearner or ECAOS ?

]]> By: Dr. Rich Berning http://privatepractice.md/2009/05/buying-equipment/comment-page-/#comment-280 Dr. Rich Berning Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:25:42 +0000 http://privatepractice.md/?p=229#comment-280 Thanks for the nice comments jd. It's just getting started with much more planned. Congrats on becoming managing partner! Please keep us posted on your transition and share what you do and learn as you move forward. Best of luck. Rich Thanks for the nice comments jd. It’s just getting started with much more planned. Congrats on becoming managing partner! Please keep us posted on your transition and share what you do and learn as you move forward. Best of luck. Rich

]]> By: jdwinegarden http://privatepractice.md/2009/05/buying-equipment/comment-page-1/#comment-279 jdwinegarden Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:00:32 +0000 http://privatepractice.md/?p=229#comment-279 I enjoyed much of what is posted on this site. I am currently transitioning into the role of managing partner and am beginning to appreciate the complexity of running a practice. I enjoyed much of what is posted on this site. I am currently transitioning into the role of managing partner and am beginning to appreciate the complexity of running a practice.

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