Essentially, the FDA wants to make electronic reporting mandatory in the interest of patients who may be affected by flawed or faulty drugs, devices or products. According to an online posting from the FDA, requiring these reports to be filed online will “help lead to faster identification of potential safety problems.” In addition, it seems that an electronic method would allow health care professionals to communicate their findings and concerns more efficiently, and prevent certain reports from being lost, overlooked or tied up in processing.

It seems clear that the FDA should take the plunge and go electronic. While drug companies and device manufacturers have had the option of filing these reports online since the year 2000, making the use of specialized medical software mandatory seems like a step in the right direction for all parties involved. Government agencies like the FDA should be leading the charge when it comes to digitizing the medical industry, not falling behind the times. Implementing this change would be an excellent way to begin doing just that, and securing the health and wellbeing of millions of patients to boot.

While there are many different kinds of practice management software, they tend to share several common features. Here are a few key benefits offered by these kinds of programs:

• Patient Management Capabilities. Instead of dealing with paper charts and files, which can be easy to lose or damage – not to mention the huge amounts of space they take up in an office – many doctors are turning to these programs as a way to catalog and file patient data and other essential information. From name, billing address and insurance provider to medical history, current prescriptions and surgical reports, patient management systems are an important part of these programs.
• Billing. Again, many practice management systems offer an easier way to create and print bills for medical services rendered, and a faster method of checking whether or not a patient has paid his or her bill. Billing is often one of the most time-consuming aspects of the medical care process, and these programs will increase a physician’s ability to receive payment in a timely fashion.
• Finances and Accounting. Monitor how much money is going into and out of your office each month. This feature can help you determine how to make your practice as cost-effective as possible – an important consideration in this challenging economy.
• Scheduling. Set up appointment with ease, months in advance, for your convenience and the convenience of your patients.