PracticeWorks debuts mobile data access device at CDA meeting

Using Pearl, dental professionals can remotely access information related to patient and treatment details, scheduling, callbacks, prescriptions, insurance, and more. All images courtesy of PracticeWorks.

SAN FRANCISCO - PracticeWorks Systems has unveiled a new software application for the Blackberry and iPhone that allows dental professionals to manage their offices and patient needs remotely. The Pearl -- practice expert and reporting library -- was introduced at the California Dental Association (CDA) fall meeting.

The software is designed to work in conjunction with the Kodak PracticeWorks, SoftDent, OrthoTrac, and Winoms CS practice management systems.

"We wanted to offer the same smart phone access that business professionals are already familiar with to our customers when they are away from the office," said Robert Patrick, director of oral surgery development and oral surgery product line manager for PracticeWorks. "This is real-time data access, not a synchronization process."

Using Pearl, dental professionals can view and act upon information in their office-based practice management system related to patient and treatment details, scheduling, financials, callbacks, prescriptions and pharmacies, and more. Users can locate a patient through the patient list, then access that patient's clinical profile, including their medication, insurance, appointment history, and any medical or financial alerts. Users can even view radiographic images, with the ability to zoom and pan, and create referring doctor profiles.

Pearl enables high-resolution radiographic images to be accessed and displayed on an iPhone or Blackberry with zoom and pan capabilities.

Specific patient- and practice-critical tasks include:

• Aid emergency patients after-hours by accessing patient records -- including high-resolution images and pharmacy records -- to call in prescriptions or recommend treatment options
• Manage after-hours follow-up calls to patients, referring doctors, and staff
• Access scheduling information to add patients with an urgent need or to make other changes

The Pearl delivers two-way data flow and requires little to no learning curve for individuals already familiar with navigating the Blackberry or iPhone, Patrick said. In addition, data transmission is secure, and no patient information is stored on the device.

"Our objective was to bring the Pearl to market as the most robust mobile applications for dentists," Patrick said.

Pearl sells for $1,995, plus a $19.95 monthly data plan per practice.

Copyright © 2009 DrBicuspid.com