Patient Power
Plano doctors and researchers have joined forces to cure a nagging malady:
Medical billing and scheduling
Frustration favors both sides of the waiting room, as doctors juggle packed
calendars and patients wait days -- even weeks -- for appointment openings.
That's expected to change, thanks to new technology.
"We believe Plano is the ideal testing ground," said Peter Voutov, chief
technology officer for La Jolla Digital LLC.
The Plano firm develops software that frees doctors from cumbersome paperwork
and administrative worries. And its newest innovation stands alone.
"Ours is different," said Voutov, referring to MDConnection.
And he may be right.
While hospitals have enjoyed scheduling software for years, smaller clinics have
made do with less expensive systems.
La Jolla Digital's latest product is still in its formative stage, but a handful
of Plano physicians are testing MDConnection in their daily practice. The Web
application allows patients to manage their medical accounts without wading
through voice menus or awaiting callbacks from overworked nurses.
In short, it empowers patients to handle their own affairs.
"That makes the system different because you can interact with the practice,"
said Voutov, whose firm gained its footing last year. That's when Plano and San
Diego researchers developed medical software that provides physicians and
patients affordable, understandable solutions for managing clinical and patient
information.
The newly introduced product supplements Practice Manager, the firm's
practice-management system, which frees doctors offices from administrative
paperwork.
What makes the latest offering unique is its patient component. No longer must
they wait for the next available operator or feel uneasy about the payment
process. Instead, they can manage their own accounts without leaving the living
room.
By logging onto the Internet, patients can schedule appointments, pay bills and
review their medical records. Appointments are immediately reserved on a
physician's schedule, with an automated confirmation sent to the patient.
Hospitals have enjoyed similar amenities for years. With a few keystrokes,
doctors and nurses access patient records and manage accounts. But those
systems cost between $30,000 and $100,000, with management and maintenance
boosting the tally by up to $50,000 annually.
Privately held La Jolla Digital hopes to free users from such complications by
hosting the service on a central server.
When the pilot phase ends, more physicians are expected to sign up, with up to
100 anticipated by year's end.
"We believe Plano physicians are good and on the forefront," said Voutov, as to
why the Collin County docs were selected before those in other markets.
As computer users become more comfortable with interactive Web sites, Voutov
believes the medical realm stands to benefit. "We automate the process and give
more freedom to the patient. We handle everything."