MacPractice
Products: For physicians: MacPractice MD. For dentists: MacPractice DDS. For chiropractors: MacPractice DC. For optometrists and ophthalmologists: MacPractice 20/20.
Why You Should Watch: Though Apple has been chipping away somewhat, Windows still dominates the world of office computers. There have always been some industries that prefer the Macintosh platform--think graphic design--but healthcare is not one of them. Yet, Lincoln, Neb.-based MacPractice has bucked the trend, preferring to focus its clinical application development on Apple's desktop operating system. The company may have been the first Mac EHR to earn certification under the federal government's Meaningful Use EHR incentive program.
After branching out to another Apple product, the iPhone, to introduce a mobile component, MacPractice a year ago released an iPad interface for remote physician access. Companion iPad apps emulate clipboards when viewed in portrait mode, giving doctors a familiar view of their schedules and patients a way to enter demographic and medical history data that gets sent straight to the EHR -- without the need for transcription by office staff -- and to sign HIPAA consent and medical release forms.
RECOMMENDED READING