App-solutely in Charge

Published: Tuesday, 25 June 2013 18:27

First seen in Independent Practitioner Today

Man and Shard 200x134The UK’s first ever practice management app promises to transform the lives of independent practitioners by enabling them to efficiently manage their practices on the move.

ePractice App has been developed for iPad and Android tablet computers by online practice management systems specialists Healthcode, in response to demand from consultant customers.

The UK’s first ever practice management app promises to transform the lives of independent practitioners by enabling them to efficiently manage their practices on the move. ePractice App has been developed for iPad and Android tablet computers by online practice management systems specialists Healthcode, in response to demand from consultant customers. The app, being piloted by selected company users, will be available free for existing customers at the Apple Store and on Google Play later this summer.

Healthcode said it was keen to reflect the changing way independent practitioners now want to access its online services.

According to IT analysts Gartner, sales of tablets are set to outstrip traditional desktop and laptop sales by 2015.

Healthcode managing director Peter Connor told Independent Practitioner Today: ‘We are very excited about the potential for this app, which has already generated a lot of enthusiasm among the consultants who will be taking part in our pilot.

‘We have created an app which is fully optimised for a tablet’s touchscreen interface with a clean, intuitive layout for users.

‘We didn’t want to simply shrink our current website for a smaller screen because this approach is simply not user-friendly and often makes it difficult to even touch the different buttons.

‘Instead, we have designed the app homepage in a carousel for- mat which allows users to swipe and select the task they want to carry out, from electronic billing to viewing a patient’s details and appointments.’ He said another important benefit was that the system could be updated in real time so any changes made would be immediately visible to other users.

This means doctors will be able to check their current and upcoming appointments and can see straight away if any new patients have been booked in by their secretary.

Mr Connor said: ‘We are confident this will make life much eas- ier for our customers, many of whom have their own consulting rooms, as well as practising privileges, in several hospitals and spend much of their time on the move between these locations.’

The first release of the ePractice app will allow practitioners to carry out many essential administrative tasks while away from their desks.

As well as viewing appointments, this includes submitting electronic bills to insurers, viewing outstanding account balances, and accessing patient information.

Healthcode stressed that the app offered ‘the same high levels of security’ as its regular online service, including password log-in, encrypted data transfer and screen locks so that consultants are pro- tected against the loss of sensitive patient or financial information.To make use of the free app, consultants need to be registered subscribers of Healthcode’s ePractice service. Get more details by phoning 01784 263 150 or view online.