Medical Software

In the 1980s I started a medical transcription service, which I operated for about 18 years altogether. There was no free medical software to be had, for the simple reason that the computer industry was still in its infancy - and I did my transcription on an IBM Selectric typewriter!

Well, that was another era entirely, wasn't it? Now there are free medical software programs for every aspect of medicine, with the possible exception of an actual physical examination - some things simply have to be done the old fashioned way.

With the HIPAA regulations now in place, all EMR programs (Electronic Medical Records) are required to be in compliance with the regulations, to protect the privacy of the patient.

Not only are there free medical software programs for transcription (which are a wonderful improvement over the Old Way, believe me!!), but there are programs that deal with the day to day operation of a medical office as well.

Other resources available today include bookkeeping programs and medical diary programs, as well as medical chart keeping software.

I remember an ad slogan that said "You've Come A Long Way, Baby!"; now, the product was something no doctor today will endorse, but the statement certainly applies to the free medical software that can be found in medical offices today - even in major medical centers and hospitals.

Several years ago I heard about software that would enable doctors to, via the telephone, dictate chart notes on patients to a transcription hub that could be located virtually anywhere; and I remember thinking what an impractical idea that was - boy, was I ever wrong about that!

It is not only practical, but the free medical transcription software that is available today via the Internet is something that I am actually using in one of my jobs as a medical transcriptionist. And I am here to tell you that the program I use is the work of a genius.

When I think back over the past twenty four years to my humble beginnings as a transcriptionist, I am so thankful that so many ingenuous minds have made such great strides in free medical software - and even more thankful that I don't have to use that clunky old typewriter and transcription machine anymore.

So you see, my friends, not all progress is bad! Free medical software is a prime example of great progress and I am thankful for it!