Update 1.1D. Richard Gross. Milwaukee: Med 4th Systems; 1994. Single user, $2695; each additional user, $569; 4D Server (required) 2 users, $1016; evaluation kit, $49.
Care4th Pro is a computerized patient-record-keeping system that runs on Macintosh computers (68030 or higher) with 4000 MB of RAM. The software was reviewed using a Macintosh Powerbook 170 with 6 MB of RAM.
Like CareTracker, its predecessor program, Care4th Pro does not include a patient-billing module. It does contain easy-to-use modules for entering and editing demographic information, diagnoses, medications, allergies, risk factors, planned interventions, and medical history in individual patient files. Most impressive is the patient-note section, into which data can be typed directly, copied from customizable pull-down lists of phrases associated with common problems, copied from other areas such as the medication list, or added using a prewritten template. Templates can be created and customized to fit the practitioner's choice of notation. A literature database and decision-tree analysis modules are also included. Data, such as laboratory results, can be imported and displayed in flow sheets or graphs. Customizable reports allow the display and printing of data files in formats such as problem lists, medication lists, and patient-reminder letters. Prescriptions and medication lists can be printed while the patient is being interviewed. Optional modules include patient-information handouts and picture modules, which can be edited and supplemented.
Care4th Pro's intelligent application of Macintosh's interface and its succinct documentation make it exceptionally easy to learn about and use. The data files provided include hundreds of diagnoses, medications, interventions, and risks. As patient-note templates, patient handouts, and other support modules are customized to fit the user's practice, management of patient information becomes remarkably easy.
Testing for this review was limited by the fact that only a few patient files were manipulated in a single-user environment. Potential buyers will certainly want to consult with present users in similar practice settings. The ability to view and manipulate data during patient visits can increase the efficiency of practice, but some changes in patient flow may be necessary to limit hardware and networking costs. Software such as Care4th Pro may largely offset these costs through increased office efficiency, for example, by minimizing staff time spent on finding charts and decreasing transcription charges. More importantly, ready access to the ever-expanding amount of patient data can improve both patient and physician satisfaction.
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