Call (866) 608 2664 X 100 to learn about your needs, An account manager will be happy to assist you.

NOTE: These recommendations are based on the solutions EncounterNOTES, Inc provide www.encounternotes.com, and should not be considered if you are pursuing a different alternative other than EncounterNOTES solutions. This statement should not discard the fact that you eventually have to upgrade your old computers.

The general answer to the question if you need a server or not is YES. You need a server for auditing, security, integrity, HIPAA regulations, backup and many more reasons. However, when the budget is limited the following standard guidelines should be considered if it is time to buy a server or not.

If you are opening a new practice:

No, you do not need a server. You are looking for the basic with room to expand in the short or long term. Your practice management system (or just Scheduling) can be installed in the computers you will need (networked), or in a single computer, depending on your needs. If you are also considering electronic medical records (EMR / EHR), you can still survive without a server. However it is highly recommended to have a dedicated computer (not a server) for electronic medical records only, and a portable computer for your clinical records notes. The portable computer will synchronize data with the dedicated computer so your data is redundant and safe in both places.

If you are a visionary physician and have ideas for your new practice, i.e electronic medical records, marketing your practice with a Web site, and also want to connect to your Medical office from home, then we recommend you consider a small server.

If you are a solo practitioner or with a partner:

The same example when you are opening a new practice, if your network is growing to more than 6 computers, then you should start considering an small server. You can grow to a maximum of 10 computers without a server, but if you reach the limit, expect connection problems. If you see 8 computers and printers in your medical office, then do not need to wait more time to buy an small server

10 computers with printers (the number of physicians does not matter)

Get a server immediately, you data is at high risk. If you want to have electronic medical records as well, your practice management system and electronic medical records will be at the same place and secured by a backup. (We also recommend an automatic backup for your server such as Arcserve® or Veritas®).

Your electronic medical records can be accessed from an stationary computer in the room, or using a portable computer. Your medical records can be updated anywhere (home, hospital, in your Lexus, etc). Once you connect to the server, the portable computer will synchronize the data with the server (both directions).

If you have a large practice with more than 10 computers, you probably have the server you need, but it may not be suitable for the electronic medical records solution EncounterNOTES, Inc offers.

If you have two practices or more practices:

You need a centralized server for your practice management system and electronic medical records, with a DSL or T1 connection. Terminal services software would probably be better for you.