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Practice management systems for today’s veterinary nurse
Abstract
The fundamental purpose of a veterinary practice has remained essentially the same, but the modern practice is more complex than was the case in previous years. While pets are still seen, checked and treated as they always were, veterinary medicine is now heavily dependent on previously unavailable technology such as x-rays, magnetic resonance images and ultrasounds that require more apparatus, more coordination and more expertise. The institution of practice management, therefore, has had to adapt accordingly to keep up with these changes and dedicated practice management systems are now a truly indispensable part of the operation and administration of veterinary practice. It is necessary for veterinary nurses (and, indeed, all practice staff) to understand the role and capabilities of practice management systems and how this relates to their duties. In light of the ever-increasing complexity of modern veterinary technology, the industry-wide trend towards utilization of computing systems and the continually escalating demand on veterinary practices, the ultimate objective of all veterinary practice — the welfare of the patients — now depends on practice management systems more than ever.
The appropriate place to start an article on practice management systems is surely with a workable definition of precisely what a practice management system is. To quote the Wikipedia article on the relevant software:
‘Practice management software (PMS) is a category of software that deals with the day-to-day operations of a medical practice. Such software frequently allows users to capture patient demographics, schedule appointments, maintain lists of insurance payers, perform billing tasks, and generate reports.
The desktop variety is intended to be used only on one computer by one or a handful of users sharing access. Client–server software typically necessitates that the practice acquire or lease server equipment and operate the server software on that hardware, while individual users’ workstations contain client software that accesses the server. Client–server software’s advantage is in allowing multiple users to share the data and the workload; a major disadvantage is the cost of running the server. Internet-based software is a relatively newer breed of PMS. Such software decreases the need for the practice to run their own server and worry about security and reliability. However, such software removes patient data from the practice’s premises, which can be seen as a security risk of its own.’
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