Podiatry Arena members do not see these ads

I was hoping someone could advise or suggest any Mac compatible practice management software that they are using in Australia. I know of Genie - anyone using it? Frontdesk is compatible with some messing around - anyone using that on a Mac? Your experience would be appreciated - thanks.

Hi, why would you bother?

PC's are so cheap, just buy a windows box to use as well as your Mac. Also keep in mind that you might find a PMS package that will work but you will probably need to interface with your HICAPS/ EFT terminals as well.

Regards
Stuart

Hi Base,

We use Genie here on the Mac System, my boss loves it. I previously used Frontdesk and PPMP on Windows, and found the transition to basic uses of Genie (over a year ago now) was reasonably easy. It definitely has good and bad points, and overall, I find it to be a good system.

There are still functions of Genie that confuse me, and there are aspects that apply to GP's that make things a little tricky, they are yet to customise it and make it more Podiatry friendly. It also has the odd bug when they release a new version, but Genie Support usually have a solution for that pretty quickly if you call them.

Genie has a great reminder system (similar to Frontdesk), with the ability to store templates for various letters (we have templates for recalls for adults and children, shoe modification prescriptions, school shoe & gym membership exemptions, health fund letters etc etc) and have the name/address/etc data automatically inputted... a big time saver!

Is there anything specific you wanted to know about it? I'm not particularly computer minded, but I'll have a go at answering if you want to know anything else...

Regards

Donna

hi, i checked out genie also as i love mac for there easy use, never virus or pc issues and come with great software that can be utilized in your practice,photos,web pages. .However there was so much stuff in genie that was irrelevant. So my other option was run parallels on my mac so i could run windows with front desk.Parrallels allows you to run all the mac software while you are using front desk. However i only use the mac software for emails and internet to prevent virus invasion and other rubbish getting in. This can be used while you have front desk running,so can utilize all the advantages of the mac and still get frontdesk running really well ,just max out your ram and no problems,i even have it networked and runs beautifully. Front desk is great, i use heaps of templates for all kinds of letters and assesments,and you can set it up to bring in docter details and patient details so is very efficient. I have not connected my hicaps though, so can not advise you of this. I have only had a technician in once to help set it up but to be honest i just about did all the set up and networking myself and i am no computer wiz.It has been 12 months and i am very happy,no hassles,and parralles have excellant phone support,no charge.

Don't know if it's available for use in Australia, but we use KIP Software (KIP= Knowledge Is Power)
and have found it pretty easy to use.

New Intel Based Macs, of course, can use any Windows App if you want to go that way, but then why have a MAC?

I've used MAC office software since 1987!!!!!!!

Steve

I have been investigating a new application for Mac called MacPractice EMR. I would love to segue out of Windows in the future as I am concerned that when suppport ends for XP their new OS will be as undesirable as Vista. I would also love to hear from anyone who uses this system.

http://www.macpractice.com/mp/

__________________
"If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true is really true, there would be little hope of advance." - Orville Wright

David G. Wedemeyer, D.C., C.Ped.

Have you looked at PracticePal - its a relatively new uk company that is offering a podiatry web-based practice management system. It works only in IE7 at present but I know they are working on safari integration and the system is going to have online booking etc within months - it will probably be the most user friendly integrated system on the market here and it is easy to change the currency for you.

I am not part of the company, I am in pp but they are making all the changes we want so we can use it in our 4 branches - it will do stock control, bar code scanning, email reminders, touch screen, lultibranch bookings etc etc....looking better than most

http://PracticePal.co.uk

Thankyou for all your information. I will let yo all know which way I have gone!

Hi,

Have a look at MacPractice - its expensive but brilliant.

http://www.macpractice.com/mp/dc/


Does anyone in Aus use Sage or MYOB? What do they think?

Thanks,

2shirts

I have for about 8 years been using MYOB Accounting for Mac. For a long time I was using the card file system in MYOB for patient notes, but it was a bit clunky. Billing and reports are obviously top notch - accounting software should be.

I now have my own filemaker database which with the help of a developer, have my own note taking software: integrated assessments, letters for referrals and info completely specific to my needs. I love it, and relative to other note taking software it has been cheap - but integration with other practice necessities such as appointments and billing is a major hurdle.

Whilst integration with billing plug-ins is possible, I really wonder how it will link with 3 or 4 plugins all at once. SMS integration will be difficult, and Hicaps/eftpos nearly impossible.

Front desk looks great (and ZedMed sucks), however I have been Mac all my life and don't really want to change. It would add another technical cost, because I am not familiar with networking PC's. MacPractice does look great, but as pointed out it is expensive. Without a demo, I am hesitant to lay down the cash.

The Fusion/Parallels option is another possibility I have looked at but its another variable to deal with.

Gone off tangent there answering the question there, but hopefully useful for someone nonetheless!

If you contact MacPractice off their website they will send you an access code to get a full demo. Its brilliant! I will be getting it!

How about linking with Hicaps/eftpos? I will have to try a demo.

A couple of times,. all they did was put me onto their contact here in Aus, and was told no demo available.

I will try again.

Try emailing Kelly Krueger directly as she is the main sales person:

Kelly Krueger <kelly@macpractice.com>

Ask for a demo.

I believe Mike Dickenson is the rep in Aus and he's a good chap to talk to.

It is a superb package.

I contacted Kelly, who said there is no demo available, however after a discussion with Mike, mentioned you can do a live demo online, while their tech guys will guide you through it.

It does indeed look very good. Roger, Have you been looking at the MD package, or the DC (chiro) pack? Apparently the chiro pack is cheaper, and it looks like it will do more than enough. THe not linking with the health funds is a minor issue - less hassles for admin staff the better.

hi,i run front desk on macs with parallels, and is networked with 2 computers and a printer,runs beautifully,i networked myself(90%) of it and got a professional from computers now to finish it off. Love front desk,and receive emails from mail (mac,prevent virus issues), but can send out patient emails with templates etc thru front desk. Never any issues, runs beautifully. With parallels can run front desk on windows and have mac osx running same time so can utilize all mac software.Get the best of both worlds. By the way ,i am no computer expert.

Yeah that was definitely another option I considered, however it works out a similar price as MacPractice. My concerns I guess were how applicable support would be from Front desk, and then needing to purchase parallels, windows etc. From what you are saying though, support seems to be minimally required.

the only support i have had to really use was front desk ocassionally, and it does not seem to cause any complication having parallels running windows and frontdesk. I have had the very odd issue with parallels but there is a support centre in sydney which are prompt and have fixed the issue quickly with no charge over the phone. So i have no qualms in recommending this set up,personally i love it.Although no experience with your other options although i did check out genie, but this is not custom made for pods,so was alot stuff that was irrelevent ,and was not as user friendly as front desk.

I also have had the same problem, i run my practice diary on ical but wanted discontinue paper records without having to invest in PC's. i looked at the macpractice software and it does look great, however i couldnt find anyone who sold it in the uk!. i was worried that if i bought the software i would have little support in set up and running. if anyone finds it in the uk let me know.

hi Bjorn,

Its the DC version I want.
The support from MacPractice is supposedly very good and reliable.
The only thing for me missing from it is an accounts package / or ability to link with Sage or Quicken because they are Windows based - and I really do not want that stuff cluttering up my mac - don't have the temper any longer to cope with microsoft and its constant crashing.

Edward1SO,

MacPractice is available in the UK - quite a few chiropractors use it.
Again contact Kelly Krueger on kelly@macpractice.com and she will put you in touch.
Or alternatively I could find out quite easily and post on here.

Edward 1SO

You could try a chap called Stuart Horthy on stewart@isos.com
He has contacts to mac Practice and is UK based.

I also have had the same problem, i run my practice diary on ical but wanted discontinue paper records without having to invest in PC's. i looked at the macpractice software and it does look great, however i couldnt find anyone who sold it in the uk!. i was worried that if i bought the software i would have little support in set up and running. if anyone finds it in the uk let me know.

Just incase your interested.......

http://www.macpractice.com/mp/demo/


xoxo Mia