Googles Apps for Docs

For many applications, physicians use cutting technology every day: diffusion-weighted MRI studies, helical spiral CT scans, angioplasty with stent deployment, and even robotic surgery. Doctors and dentists clearly use and stay abreast of technology as part of a successful practice, so why is it so difficult to bring the business of medical and dental practice into the internet age? It seems almost incomprehensible that a medical professional can bring to bear some of the most amazing medical technologies ever created, yet keep a paper schedule and lacks a professional website.

Many doctors and dentists feel that they must keep up with medical technology to properly serve their patients, but do not place nearly the same emphasis on keeping informed and current with software that would keep a professional practice running as smoothly as possible. Given the time pressures that most medical professionals face, running the business of a medical practice is considered supplementary to the practice of medicine, when, in reality, it is all part of the same process. Sadly, most physicians and dentists do not learn about how to manage a practice until they find themselves hanging a plank for the first time.

One resource that is virtually untapped but that can provide immediate and substantial benefits to a professional practice are Google Apps. Google Apps are business applications that can be customized to suit any business, including health care practice management. Gmail, Google Calendar, Team site creation and video sharing are just some of the features available to streamline a medical practice. The same applications that are employed by millions of users every day have been tailored to specific business needs, including professional practice. Want to keep track of all of your appointments? Use Google Calendar. Want patients to be able to personally block off an appropriate time to schedule a patient visit? Use a form of Google Calendar that has been adapted to provide secure access to your patient schedule this eliminating the need for a medical receptionist.

Some doctors are a bit more savvy when it comes to business management software than others. Some have software that they like and programs that they do not enjoy using. Google Apps is built in modules—if a dentist is pleased with his appointment scheduler but would like different software to handle document editing and personnel scheduling, Google Apps can be customized to fit within that existing framework. These applications communicate with most other software platforms. This modular format also keeps costs down by allowing the professional to choose which programs work best for a given practice.

Another benefit of Google Apps is that physicians and dentists are already familiar with the format because of their use of Gmail and similar Google services. Thus when Google Apps are employed for practice management, the browser interface is intuitive. In other words there is not a huge learning curve required in order to use the applications. Even if doctors have not used similar Google applications in the past, the Google family of applications and software are incredibly easy to use.

Getting started with Google Apps is easy. All that is required is a brief review of the services offered, choosing which applications will most likely benefit your practice, and setting up certain parameters within your web domain. A link to an informational video is included below. If you would like the system set up for your practice, there are a number of companies that specialize in web development and Google Apps services.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJT3pagjd8s