ClinicPro Practice Management and EMR Hardware Recommendations
ClinicPro Software does not sell computer hardware. Quite frankly, some software
companies force you to buy hardware from them so they can mark it up
considerably. We have a different philosophy; we want you to buy your computer
equipment from a local store so that you can get quick and reliable service.
*Note* Clinicpro and the EMR are 32bit programs. It will run on any machine that
runs Windows 2014 Server, or Windows 7 or 8 or 10 Professional that have at
least 8 gigabytes RAM. We recommend 16 gig of RAM if you are buying new
machines.
Simple explanation: The
system requirements are not very high for EMR and ClinicPro. EMR is the most
demanding of the two programs and the system requirements are the same as those
for Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Express SP1. It is usually preferable to exceed
these minimum system requirements for satisfactory performance, especially if
the computer will being handling additional tasks such as terminal server and
domain controller duties.
EMR requires Microsoft SQL Server to be installed but it is not supported on a
system which also functions as a domain controller with Windows Server 2012. So,
you will need to consult with your computer support person regarding how to
install the SQL server software on your new server. One option is to interrupt
the server 2012 installation process to prevent the machine from configuring
itself as a domain controller. Another option is to use a virtual machine or
machines on the new server either for the domain controller, SQL server, or
terminal/RDP server.
As far as actual hardware, we would recommend RAID storage for performance and
redundancy, gigabit Ethernet, and ECC RAM.
Detailed Explanation (for Geeks)
Server Recommended Hardware:
*Note* In regards to Dual Core processor technology. ClinicPro is not a SMP
(Symmetric Multiprocessing) program. While a Dual Core system has the advantage
of allowing multiple programs to run at one time, it will not offer any
additional advantage when compared to a computer with a faster single processor.
In fact; some Dual Core systems have a slower base speed than the recommended
specifications. Using a computer with a slower processor speed will result in
reduced software performance.
Categories: (By number of concurrent workstations)
Small Network: - 2 to 5 systems.
Medium Network: - 5 to 10 systems.
Large Network: - 10 to 20 systems.
*Note* Please contact ClinicPro Support for clarifications on network size, and
if you are considering implementing more than 20 computer systems to run the
software.
General Hardware Requirements:
500+ GB or 1TB Hard drive
SVGA/XGA Video capable of 1024 X 768 resolution
Recommended Specs for a Small Network Server (up to 5 computers):
Processor: - 2.8+ GHz P4 or 2.0+ GHz
RAM: - 16.0 gig (400+ MHz FSB)
Network Connectivity: - 100mb Ethernet
Operating System: - Windows 7 or 8 or 10 Professional
Recommended Specs for a Medium Network Server (5 to 10 computers):
Processor: - 3.0+ GHz P4/Xeon or 2.6+ GHz Dual Core
RAM: - 16.0+ gig (400+ MHz FSB)
Network Connectivity: - 100/1000mb Ethernet
Operating System: - Windows 2019 Server, Windows 7 or 8 or 10 Professional
Recommended Specs for a Large Network Server (10+ computers):
Processor: - 3.0+ GHz Dual Core Xeon
RAM: - 64 gig (400+ MHz FSB)
Network Connectivity: - 100/1000mb Ethernet (recommend Gigabit Ethernet)
Operating System: - Windows 2016 Server Standard Ed.
Printer Recommendation:
HP Laser products are our standard for paper billing and document printing.
ClinicPro does have the capability to adjust HCFA print alignment and is
compatible with most manufacturer windows based printers.
Recommendations for Internet Access:
ClinicPro now requires internet access for online updating of the program. We
highly recommend High Speed Internet Access (Broadband, Cable, DSL, T1, etc...)
for the best performance.
Workstation Recommended Hardware:
General Hardware Requirements:
Processor: - 2.8+ GHz P4 or 2.0+ GHz Dual Core
RAM: 32 gig+
Network Connectivity: - 100mb Ethernet
Operating System: - Windows 7 or 8 Pro or 10 Pro
80+ GB Hard drive and SVGA/XGA Video capable of 1024 x 768 resolution.
Tablet PC vs. Touchscreen Monitor:
ClinicPro's EMR is designed to operate in a touchscreen environment. You can use
a mouse, a tablet PC or touchscreen monitor to record your soap notes. The
equipment that you decide to use is entirely up to you.
Tablet PCs: Have the advantage of being portable so that you can carry it from
room to room. This is a less expensive option than having a touchscreen monitors
and a workstation in each room. In addition, many tablet PCs have the capability
of recognizing handwriting; if that is the case, you can write your notes on any
of the comments boxes within the EMR. This gives you an additional way to record
notes that are specific to the patient's condition that do not fit into the
template environment. You can also use dictation software such as Dragon Dictate
to record and extra detail. The biggest disadvantage of the tablet PC is the
fact that it needs to connect to your network via a wireless router. Please see
our notes below for details about wireless networking.
There are many good tablet PCs on the market ranging in cost from $1000-$3000.
You may want to go to a store and actually "hold and play with" the Tablet PC to
see how it feels in your hands. Also note that there are two major types of
screen for Tablet PCs. One type allows you to touch the screen (similar to many
cell phones) and the other requires you to use an electronic pointer (similar to
a pen). And in some cases there are Tablet PCs that utilize both types of
hardware. Remember, you will be carrying it from room to room and using it for
many hours a day. You may want to check out the following brands: HP, Toshiba,
Fujitsu and Dell.
Touchscreen Monitors: These monitors must be hooked to an entire computer
system. The monitor itself will cost between $500 and $900. The computer system
can be relatively simple as long as it has 4 GBs of RAM.
Your initial outlay for touchscreen monitors and computer systems in every room
will be more expensive than Tablet PCs. On the other hand, the computers can be
hardwired into your network and you will not have problems of dropping signals;
which will improve performance and reliability. In addition, you will not have
to carry anything from room to room. The computer will be waiting for you.
Which is best? The best configuration depends entirely upon you. For some
doctors, portability is very important. Other doctors want large touchscreen
monitors where the buttons are extremely easy to locate and push. You will need
to review both options and decide which one meets your needs the best.
*IMPORTANT*
ClinicPro Software does not recommend wireless networking. Due to the inherently
slower nature of wireless networks (wireless networks run at least 50% slower
than wired networks), expect slower access times from ClinicPro and the EMR on a
wireless network. If you chose to implement a wireless network, we recommend you
use hardware optimized to give the fastest speeds possible: Please use a minimum
standard 802.11g with WPA encryption (802.11n is also recommended for greater
security) and a MIMO based router for stronger signal strength. Also placement
of the wireless access point in centralized location to minimize distance
between itself and the devise. Keep devises such as cordless phones, x-ray
equipment, cell phones and even microwaves away from the wireless access point.
They can interfere with its broadcast signal strength and quality.
EMR reports within the system require Microsoft Office 2003 or newer. The report
engine is designed to hand any requested information to MS Word then is
manipulated, reformatted, printed and/or saved and emailed.
Disclaimer: Do not buy any version of Microsoft Windows HOME editions.
They do not properly support networking nor do they support EMR. The EMR uses a
back-end SQL Server database; nether home edition supports this type of
connection.