Many healthcare executives and physician practices are continually seeking the fastest and best in technology that can help them run their offices more efficiently, whether it’s devices, applications, or even accessories. Throughout the year, we’ll occasionally alert you to new products or devices to help you make your jobs easier. Below are just a few tools of the trade that should be on the wish list of healthcare professionals.
Fujitsu’s ScanSnap
ScanSnap is the leading scanner on the market today and can quickly and easily turn documents into secure, searchable (using the bundled OCR software) PDFs or JPEGs. The ScanSnap iX500 ($495.00) is Fujitsu’s flagship desktop scanner with built in Wi-Fi, allowing users to scan directly to an iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire mobile devices, without even turning on the computer. This is the ideal tech gadget for healthcare executives and physicians trying to stay organized around the office.
You can also benefit from the ScanSnap iX100 ($225.00)—same technology as the iX500, but smaller and battery powered. One key difference is users can scan wirelessly even without a router. So this means you can scan anywhere, whether in a coffee shop, park, or at a conference.
We loved how compact these scanners are because it means less clutter around the office. We highly recommend the iX500 because of its speed (25 pages per minute color scanning capability) and overall performance. The quality of our scans was excellent and it scanned our documents, both black-and-white and color, pretty quickly. We also loved the two-sided scanning feature. We think it’s a great buy and perfect for your office.
Virgin Mobile’s Broadband2Go ($79.99 for the device)
This device is a Wi-Fi necessity for those healthcare professionals on the go. If you’ve ever used a Wi-Fi card before, it’s the same idea: plug the device it into the USB port on your laptop and get Internet access nationwide. What we like about Broadband2Go is that unlike other product and offerings from competing carriers, you aren’t tied to a long-term contract. Just pay-as-you go with plans starting at just $10 for 100MB of data.
Papershow ($199.99)
Papershow (www.papershow.com) is an interactive presentation tool and digital whiteboard. Papershow consists of a USB key, a Bluetooth pen, and interactive paper. When paired together, you can annotate a presentation, conduct a brainstorm or teach a class by writing on the interactive paper– and then see the writing transmitted onto a computer screen or overhead screen in real-time.
HP Color LaserJet CM2320nf MFP ($699.99)
The HP Color LaserJet CM2320nf MFP is a fast, efficient a multifunction color printer. It eliminates the expense, space and power consumption of multiple single-function devices and comes with HP’s complimentary In-House Marketing Kit which allows practices to print their own marketing materials in the office. It also prints black text for the same price as a single function monochrome LaserJet, keeping costs down without sacrificing quality.
Epson WorkForce 610 ($199.99)
For a less expensive printer, the Epson WorkForce 610 would do the trick. The WorkForce 610 all-in-one is able to effortlessly handle printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, and is built for speed. This printer leads the pack with printing up to 38 pages per minute. It offers copy, scan and fax features for maximum efficiency and ease of use in any workspace. And with built-in Wi-Fi, it is truly an office powerhouse.
YoGen ($39.99)
While technology keeps us connected and on schedule, when the batteries drain, we’re left without a power source, especially when we’re on the go. Easy Energy has the answer to on-the-go charging: YoGen (www.yogenstore.com). Through the application of a hand-operated ripcord, similar to the motion of a yo-yo, YoGen is perfect for recharging everything from mobile phones to iPods and cameras. With YoGen, electronics will not fail due to low battery.
DigitalPersona Personal 4.0 ($69.95)
DigitalPersona (www.digitalpersona.com/personal) is making identity theft protection personal by bringing fool-proof biometric technology to consumers’ fingertips. This is an easy-to-use identity protection suite for individuals, family members and business users. DigitalPersona Personal 4.0 is the first identity protection suite to use biometrics, letting people use their fingerprints to access online accounts – including email, banking, shopping, and other Web sites – to provide a critical, additional layer of security against identity theft.
3M Gold Privacy Filters (Prices range from $50-$100)
These laptop computer screens (www.3mprivacyisgold.com) are ideal for medical professionals to help guarantee patient privacy and security of medical records. The thin film slips over a laptop computer screen; when someone views the screen from a side angle they are dazzled with a blinding golden aura. Only a direct front view reveals information on the screen.
LogMeIn Ignition for iPhone and iPod touch ($29.99)
LogMeIn Ignition (www.LogMeIn.com) enables iPhone and iPod Touch users to access and work on their remote computers as if they were sitting right in front of them. Users can open, access and use programs that reside on a desktop, laptop or even a server, as well as view and edit documents, presentations, emails, etc. Physicians can use Ignition for iPhone to securely access vital patient records on their office PC while treating patients at other hospitals or locations around the area.
SanDisk Ultra Backup USB ($49.99 to $277.99, depending on size)
For the traveling professional, the SanDisk Ultra Backup USB flash drive (www.sandisk.com/products/usb-flash-drives/sandisk-ultra-backup-usb-flash-drive.aspx) is a must have. It’s the world’s first USB flash drive with backup at the touch of a button. Just plug the drive into any PC and press the “backup” button to instantly save critical work. The SanDisk Ultra Backup is available in capacities from 8GB to 64GB, but it’s still small enough to fit on a key ring. Another nice feature is its five-year limited warranty.
Dragon Medical (Subscription-Based)
With the rise of electronic health record systems, many doctors struggle with documentation via the keyboard and mouse. A must have healthcare IT tool of the trade is medical speech recognition. You’ve probably heard of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Dragon Medical One is the medical version of the highly accurate and acclaimed speech recognition tool. With Dragon Medical, doctors can easily speak their patient notes and what they say automatically appears on the screen in front of them. Easier documentation for physicians, faster time to report and more detailed notes for patients.
Let us know about your favorite tools of the trade. Email the author at [email protected].
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
