Resources help family physicians plug into computers
Get FPs turned on to computers--that's a high priority for the AAFP
Board of Directors.
Board Chair Kenneth L. Evans, MD, of Edmond, OK, says the Board is
committed to bringing the AAFP to the leading edge in electronic communication
and record keeping to serve as a resource and example for members. He
encourages family physicians to log on and venture into the world of
information available via computer.
"In the very near future, literacy in all areas of electronic
communication and information management will be as expected and necessary as
the ability to read and write is today," Dr. Evans says. "In order for family
physicians to remain current and competitive, they must be able to participate
in this exploding arena."
The Academy offers a growing number of resources for FPs making the leap
into the world of cyber-medicine. Here are the main products and services
currently available.
- AAFP Network of Consultants. Looking for someone with
expertise in computers? The Academy maintains a database of individuals and
firms qualified to consult in all areas of practice management, including
computerization. Paying a good consultant up front may save you from making
costly mistakes.
- To make your network connection, call the AAFP Socioeconomics
Division at (800) 274-2237, ext. 3448. For $30, you can receive information on
up to five consultants; $60 will get you information on six or more. A helpful
monograph, How and When to Choose a Practice Management Consultant, is
available for $15 by calling the AAFP Order Department at (800) 944-0000 and
requesting item #R9249.
- If you would like to be a consultant in the network, call Susan Rehm,
practice development manager, at (800) 274-2237, ext. 3450.
- 1996 Scientific Assembly. This year's Assembly Oct. 3-6 in New
Orleans will feature a variety of computer courses, demonstrations, and
hands-on opportunities. Basic classes will be offered in Windows 95, Word for
Windows, Excel for Windows, and Quicken. Medically related computer classes
will cover the Internet, e-mail, the World Wide Web, Grateful Med, and
electronic patient records. The Assembly's Computer World will encompass the
Computer Zoo, lectures and demonstrations, and computer exhibits. For more
information, call the hotline at (800) 926-6890 or use AAFPOnline (see story
above).
- Recommended Core Educational Guideline. The Academy recently
released a new educational guideline detailing what family practice residents
should be taught in the areas of medical informatics and computer applications.
To receive a copy, call the AAFP Education Division at (800) 274-2237, ext.
5208.
- Guidelines for the Selection of Office Computer Systems for
Family Physicians. Developed in 1992, this handbook still offers useful
tips for choosing a computer system, particularly for billing/accounts
receivable purposes. It was written specifically for family physicians and
includes tips on what to look for and what to avoid in software and hardware.
The cost is $8 for members and $20 for nonmembers. To obtain a copy, call the
AAFP Order Department at (800) 944-0000 and request item #OL603.
- This material is from a special section on "Computers and Family
Practice" in the July 1996 issue of FP Report, published by the AAFP
News Department.
"Computers and Family Practice" contents
FP Report, July 1996 headlines
More information about FP Report
