E d i t o r i a l

COMPCARE

A very sophisticated, flexible, database program was developed for veterinary use several years ago and was named Compcare. The power and flexibility of this software makes it useful for not only varied types of veterinary practice, but for dentists, physicians, and for that matter, any type of business that needs to keep records on a database.

Compcare was written in "C" and then converted to machine language for fast execution. Jack D. Stocker, DVM, of Pana, Illinois, is now the distributor for the veterinary version of Compcare. He has integrated Compcare with a number of useful auxiliary programs and calls the system Specialized Veterinary Computer Software (SVCS). There are 80 dealers working across the United States to support Compcare users. The system is currently used by 130 veterinary practicesi more than any o the r single ve t e r i na ry p rac t i ce m a n a g e m e n t program.

Compcare runs on MS DOS and supports a multiple terminal system. This means the MS DOS version of Compcare will run on IBM, North Star, AT&T, ITT, Compaq, Panasonic, Radio Shack 2000, Televideo, Zenith, plus 40 other computers.

Stocker will package software and hardware, or sell software separately. If the customer buys hardware locally, Stocker is anxious to work with the local store to insure proper hardware selection for his software. In order to take advantage of the various auxiliary software provided by SVCS, it is best to purchase a modem and a hard disk.

The system can be purchased in segments, with the lower level segments i n t e g r a t i n g c o m p l e t e l y with segments purchased later. The segment called DataCare is the entry level data management system. This segment contains client and patient files, vaccination recall system, target marketing, and mailing lists. It sells for $1749.00.

For an additional $2500, one can start with the Praetieare I system which includes an accounts receivable system and couples the reminder system with a word processor. For a total of $5449, one can start at the top with Praeticare II. In addition to the features in the other segments, Practicare II contains a system of "problem or ien ted Medica l R e c o r d s , " and i nven to ry and prescription processing systems.

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In special promot ional campaigns, Stocker offers purchasers a subscription to the Cornell Veterinary Information Company. This veterinary-oriented service is accessed by modem and offers many services such as l i terature searching, drug pricing, e lectronic mail, statistical prgrams, etc. (A review of this service will be provided in a subsequent issue of the Journal). Compcare can be integrated with Easywriter and Easyspeller. Stocker encourages the use of all the new enhancement software designed to make use of the computer easier. He encourages new customers to purchase ProKey ($130), which is a program to set the function keys on the computer to convey multiple commands with a single key stroke.

Quite a few equine practitioners are using Compcare systems. Each of them have put considerable thought into the design of the their record systems, therefore each have become separate specialized programs. Part of the set-up procedure is helping the veterinarian decide just how the system should be customized.

The power and flexibility of the system revolves around DataCare, a multi-user oriented hierarchical database management system. A database management system is a group of programs designed to help organize a large amount of data, allowing the user to add, delete, modify, sort, or recall data from a set of files called a database.

A heirarchical database is organized in a different manner than a relational database. Dbase II, discussed in a previous issue of the Journal, is a relational database. A heirarchical database system is one where the database can be organized in a tree structure, much like a pedigree. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of database systems. The heirarchical system is faster, and where all the files are related in certain aspects, the heirarchical system can save work when updating is done.

As with most veterinary practice programs Compcare requires a client file separate from a patient file. The patient file is tied to the client file, however, in an heirarchiacal manner. Invoices, or receipts are generated automatically when work is performed on the patient. These invoices are then stored as patient records and can be accumulated over as long a period of time as there is disk storage available. If more detailed patient records are desired, then the invoice can be made more detailed.

EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE

A system that takes a lot of repetition out of keeping patient records uses procedure codes. A procedure price and definition can be standardized. When entering patient information it is only necessary to put in a p rocedu re number . Fo r example , the cas t r a t ion procedure would include anesthesia, antibiotics and any other drugs or subprocedures associated. It would be possible to have the invoice list all of the individual items and prices in a specific procedure. Once a practitioner begins to think in terms of procedures, treatment becomes more thorough.

The practice management portion of the system generates a wide variety of reports. The daily reports include: deposit slips, daily transaction reports, daily procedure reports, daily summary reports and inventory adjustment reports. The month and year reports include: category totals report, procedure report, diagnosis report, personnel report and summary reports.

The system requires development of a certain number of lists. These include: a procedure list (example - float teeth), diagnosis list ( e x a m p l e - equine influenza), personnel list, payment method list, message list (a number of specific messages can be stored and later called to be printed on invoices, reminders, etc.), inventory list, and vendor list.

Following is a summary of the principal features of the Compcare system: • It eliminates manual bookkeeping. All entries are automatically made with each client transaction at the time of invoicing.

• It automatically produces a vaccination and /o r neuter certificate with each receipt, if desired. • Each transaction is automatic, rapid, and easily accomplished by regular office personnel. Procedural errors are eliminated by the computer, using special visual and audio prompts. • Client and patient data is automatically updated with each visit. • Each day, the system provides a list of checks received, the total charge-card and paid on account transactions; and if desired, it will print a list of the total accounts receivable. • Medical reminders may be sent to a large number of clients in a short period of time and each reminder will be personalized and ready for mailing. • Standard fees can be stored in the computer, saving time for both the doctor and receptionist. • The program allows numerous variations of business reports, e.g., how many vaccinations for any given period, how many examinations, how many animals are seen which are over 10 years of age, etc. • Estimates can be easily and professionally produced for client consideration. • Summary reports can be generated on all procedures p e r f o r m e d including pe rcen tage figures for each procedure for analysis of practice trends. • The program provides a detailed breakdown of income generated by each doctor or lay employee. A password restricts unauthorized access to this data.

Continued

top-Horsin Around! Harness your practice with Compeare

Software by Compcare

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Designed for equine practice Customized for each practice Guaranteed performance Single to 17 terminals Easy use for office personnel Over 130 users Developed and supported

by veterinarians

Specialized Veterinary Computer Software P.O. Box 129, Pana, III. 62557 Jack D. Stocker, DVM

• A detailed breakdown of income as it relates to the services performed, the total dollars generated for those services, and the percent of total income generated by those specific services is provided. • The program records summaries for a user-defined number of stored diagnoses. Four diagnoses per patient may be entered at one time. • Through the optional general ledger software program, most monthly accounting charges are eliminated. • Fees can all be increased or decreased automatically by a user-specified percentage or fees may be individually changed as required. Fee values may be rounded off to any specified value. This feature allows for gradually increasing fees to follow cost of living increases and avoids large "lump" increases. • The program provides fully itemized and easily understood receipts. • Computer printed reminder letters are personalized, easy to read, and can include a variety of types of information in each letter. • The program allows multiple patients to be listed on one itemized receipt. If one or more doctors provide service on the same receipt, the system will allocate the appropriate fees to each doctor's specific account file. • The list of procedures utilized in the itemized receipt can be modified as necessary using the CRT terminal. • Patient data may be accessed by either of two key elements: patient number or owner's name. • File structure may be customized to include items deemed important by the purchaser of the system.

• Records may be added or deleted rapidly without disrupting the order of existing data. • The se lec t ing and so r t ing of r eco rds can be a c c o m p l i s h e d by u s i n g up to f ive p a r a m e t e r s simultaneously. This feature is used when sending vaccination reminder letters. • Records may be maintained for up to approximate ly 25,000 patients on one hard disk. This number may vary depending on the exact byte count or record length used. This number may be increased to 100,000 patients through the addition of up to 3 additional hard disks. • Each patient record may be programmed to contain up to 50 separate elements of information with up to 30 characters per element. The maximum record length permitted is 1000 bytes. • Itemized receipts may contain up to 25 major categories of charges with a user-defined capacity of specific procedures listed within each category. The max imum number is defined at initialization.

Compcare is so flexible and powerful that it can also be used for various projects or side-businesses. It is possible to copy the program to a separate disk and set up a tack business, as an example, establishing a customer list, an inventory list, etc.

Almost any project requiring database management can be set up and maintained with Compcare. The more one works with the program and learns its capabilities, the more useful it becomes and the greater its flexibility. Every practitioner looking to buy software should carefully consider Compcare before making a purchase. WEJ

Vertical Computer Syste_ ms Inc The Equine Computer Systems "Specialist.

At Vertical Computer Systems, we have designed a specific computer system to set your office on the right track at every level: organization, management and maintenance. This system will clean up inefficiencies in your bookkeeping methods and inaccuracies in your

AUTHORIZED DEALER OF treatment information that keep you tied up in paperwork instead of out in the field. Not only are you losing money, but more importantly, valuable field time as well.

The system is unique in concept and performance. Its n~mp-: Thp_ Fn.inn Veterinarian Computer System. This system is tailored Sl: requirements of your equine veterinary practice, and uti l i Alpha Micro AM-1000 computer.

Designed to organize your record and bookkeeping me EVC System enables you, at a stroke of a few buttons, tc horse's treatment and medical history; details of current care and medication; owner/trainer information; a statement of accounts; and much more. Once engaged, the system will effectively maintain and manage all your office procedures and information. Be sure to visit us at the American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Meeting, December 2-5 at Loew's Anatole Hotel, Dallas Texas.

Vertical C0nlx er Systems Inc. 5203 N.W. 33rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33bu~. ~ouoj -~o-,ao, ,.

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