IT Matters
PACS Integration with EMRs
Posted February 7th, 2012
PDS supports many clients which utilize a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications Systems). A PACS is a system that is essential for any practice which stores a large volume of photos or images locally on their network. Most EMRs are not equipped to handle large scale image storage due to electronic space constraints. We have worked with a variety of PACS vendors including Viztek, GE, AGFA, Stryker, and CoActiv. PDS is not only familiar with the PACS software, but also the most effective process to integrate the system with the EMR selected by the practice. This knowledge will continue to be critical in the healthcare IT industry as MarketResearch.com predicts that the PACS market will grow at a CAGR of 10% and will reach about $5.4 billion by 2017.
Why to Consider Software or Hardware Before Year End
Posted November 17, 2011
Take advantage of Section 179 of the IRS tax code that allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment (including software and hardware) purchased or financed during the tax year. In 2011, the amount you can write off has gone up to $500,000 (from $250,000 in 2010). It's an incentive created by the U.S. Government to encourage businesses to buy equipment and invest in themselves. READ MORE >
Important things to consider when backing up and restoring system databases
Posted November 3, 2011
SQL Server maintains a set of system-level databases, system databases, which are essential for the operation of a server instance. Several of the system databases must be backed up after every significant update. The system databases that you must always back up include msdb, master, and model. If any database uses replication on the server instance, there is a distribution system database that you must also back up. Backups of these system databases let you restore and recover the SQL Server system in the event of system failure, such as the loss of a hard disk.
The following table provided by Microsoft summarizes all of the system databases. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms190190.aspx
Successful EMR implementation processes
Posted October 14, 2011
PDS has installed, implemented and integrated a variety of EMRs (including but not limited to SRSsoft, eClinical Works, IO Practiceware, and NextGen) in tons of locations throughout the U.S. This experience has taught us what it takes for a medical practice to most effectively implement an EMR…READ MORE >.
Scanning Tip
posted September 22, 2011
We see many of our clients changing the resolution of their scanners to get the best possible image. Unfortunately they don't realize that it significantly increases the amount of storage used on their servers and backups. This not only drives up cost and the need to upgrade servers much more quickly, it also makes the backups much larger. Color scanning in particular eats up a ton of space! For standard documents, make sure you drop the resolution of your scans to Black and White, One sided (unless 2 sided scanning is required) and 300 x 300 dpi maximum.
Where can I get some decent medical IT support around here?
Posted September 6, 2011
As we speak to more and more medical practices that want to switch from their current IT support company and use Professional Data Systems, we are finding consistency in their responses. Here are the some of the main reasons we are hearing why healthcare organizations are deciding to replace their current IT provider with PDS…
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PDS Tech Tip of the day
Posted August 22, 2011
Wanna take a break from work? Walk away with peace in mind. Press the Windows Key & the letter L at the same time to lock your desktop. Use ctrl + alt + del to unlock when you return to your PC.
'Seismic Shifts' forecasted for Health IT
Posted July 6, 2011
Recently the CEO of HIMSS forecasted seismic shifts for IT in the Healthcare industry - http://tinyurl.com/3zfofdl. We have been at the forefront of this change helping medical practices implement the newest technology and ensuring their success in delivering a more efficient experience for their patients.
Good hires are hard to find!
Posted June 30, 2011
PDS is always searching for highly skilled IT technicians with solid healthcare experience to service our clients. This article: Healthcare IT Jobs Lucrative but Tough to Land - http://ithealthcare.computerworld.com/management/34045/healthcare-it-jobs-lucrative-tough-land really sums it up. With Healthcare spending on the rise, particularly towards increasing technologies, the need for experienced IT support is at it's highest level. That is why so many medical practices turn to PDS for their IT needs.
HIPAA Law and Backups
Posted June 7, 2011
Since the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and then the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act in 1999, healthcare practices are required to implement contingency plans for securing patient information at all times. Contingency planning objectives include disaster recovery, electronic data storage and emergency operations procedures.
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