The practice of medicine has grown to be increasingly complex:

• Never before has so much medical information been available for the physician.
• Never before has the practice of billing and collecting for medical services rendered and also the scheduling and coordinating of services among multiple providers been so complicated.
• Never before has a "super computer" been more needed to assist with all aspects of a busy practice. We live in the age of information. The need for a device to organize and correlate all this information has never been greater.

The computer has become an integral tool of the medical office. It is used to organize and categorize thousands of bits of information required to accurately record patient care, transmit information to others at distant points, and maintain an orderly record of all the activities of the business.

In this chapter you will learn about the many aspects of using a computer in a medical practice. Regardless of your past experience with computers, after you complete this chapter, you will have a growing awareness and respect for the marvelous technology it represents. You may even become enthusiastic about the possibilities of its many uses.

Outline

• The Computer Revolution
• Types of Computers
• Components of the Computer
• Using Computer Software
• Selecting Computer Equipment
• Security in the Computerized Office
• Computer System Care and Maintenance
• Computers of the Future

Learning Outcomes

After completing Chapter 6, you will be able to:

 6.1 List and describe common types of computers.
 6.2 Identify computer hardware and software components and explain the functions of each.
 6.3 Describe the types of computer software commonly used in the medical office.
 6.4 Discuss how to select computer equipment for the medical office.
 6.5 Explain the importance of security measures for computerized medical records, including HIPAA compliance.
 6.6 Describe the basic care and maintenance of computer equipment.
 6.7 Identify advances in computer technology and explain their importance to the medical office.

Summary

As a medical assistant, you should familiarize yourself with the types of computers available and the hardware and software components that make up a computer system. A variety of software programs are used in the medical office, including word processing, database management, accounting and billing, appointment scheduling, and electronic transactions, such as submitting insurance claims. Other computer technology you need to know about includes modems, scanners, and CD-ROM and DVD software.

Whether you are converting to a computerized office or simply upgrading an existing system, learn the guide-lines for selecting computer hardware and software. In a computerized office it is also important to know how to secure computerized files and to care for and maintain computer equipment.

Computer technology is advancing so quickly that it is not possible to predict what tools might soon be available for the medical office. Regardless of what the future holds, the need for good equipment management will continue to be an important part of the role of the medical assistant.