PocketPractitionerOffice FAQs

How do I add diagnoses, medications, and procedures to the clinical lists?

Office allows you to easily add CPT and ICD codes. In addition, the Import feature allows you to add items from any other coding system. Also, check out the Import Medications section to quickly add a list of common medications.

Why is the Pocket Practitioner Office version so large?

Palm downloads tend to be small and easily downloaded. Pocket Practitioner is ideal for taking a look at the product if you are limited to a modem connection. The Office version contains a runtime version of Microsoft Access, and this product is quite large. However, it has the advantage of being able to be installed on any computer with Microsoft Windows 95 or greater without the need for additional software. Note that you will only need to download the runtime one time, and all subsequent upgrades will consist of relatively small files.

I already have Microsoft Access. Why do I need the runtime version?

We had to make a decision regarding size of the program and data integrity. Microsoft changed its database structure when it upgraded to Access 2000, and Access 97 cannot read Access 2000 files without specific upgrades from Microsoft. We also do not know what changes Microsoft will make in the future. We chose a runtime version of Access 97, which many view as Microsoft's most stable database product, and created a "sandbox" where it can run safely without interference from other programs or operating system upgrades. Access 97 also has a smaller runtime version - 10 MB vs. 140 MB for Access 2000.

You can open the data files with your own version of Access 97 or 2000 to create reports.

Does Pocket Practitioner Office connect directly to a billing system?

No. This product is designed to be desktop companion to your Palm organizer, much like the Palm Desktop or Microsoft Outlook. We are concerned that there is a potential for significant under-billing if the charges are not reviewed by trained billing personnel prior to posting. We feel the ideal system is for you to identify your procedures at the time of service, print a detailed report, and pass it along to your billing office.

Does Pocket Practitioner Office support multiple users?

Yes and No. The product was designed for a single user, perhaps a provider with a home office or a PC on the office desk, and it functions most easily with one user per PC. However, it quickly became apparent that all users don't fit this simple model, and we adapted the product to accommodate multiple users on a single PC. Currently, each user has an individual database, and only one database can be open at a time (much like opening an email program).. It works well, but be sure to follow the install directions in the manual closely.

Can I install Pocket Practitioner Office on two computers, i.e. home and office?

No. During the HotSync, completed records are deleted from the Palm and archived on the PC. Also, the notes and procedure reports are designed to print automatically one time on the PC, and this will not function correctly if you use more than one computer. You will need to choose the location that works best for you or use a laptop (our personal choice).

Can Pocket Practitioner Office sync over a network?

Currently, no.