Our Man in Cyberspace is Impressed with New Hardware/Software

Larry D. Rosen, Ph.D.

The National Psychologist

November-December 1999

• Turning your computer into a multi-purpose fax and telephone voice-mail system, all in the background, without impacting, computer speed, or your personal computer needs.
• Help building and enhancing a web site with tools for building the site, creating custom animation, opening an online store and more.
• Why it is now worthwhile (and smart) to own a handheld computer like the Pilot or Visor, including a full-size keyboard that folds up to the same size as the handheld and easy tools for accessing the web and e-mail, all in a package that weighs less than a pound!
• Computer games that parents can and will play with their children to help release children from their individual, Nintendo-playing, computerized techno-cocoons. [For this column I already have my crack research staff - my 9-year old daughter and 12-year old son - reviewing products that they would consider playing with their parents.]
• Developing whiz-bang presentations for potential client sources, speeches, testing or client information.
• Clever, inexpensive ergonomic devices to prevent you from getting Repetitive Stress Injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Rather than decide which topic to write first, I would like you to tell me your preferences. Vote for your top choices between (1) FAX/VOICE MAIL SYSTEM, (2) WEB SITE TOOLS, (3) HANDHELD COMPUTER TOOLS, (4) COMPUTER GAMES FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN, (5) PRESENTATION TOOLS, and (6) ERGONOMIC DEVICES. The higher vote getters will be reviewed first. (See my e-mail and telephone number in italics at the end of this article.)

A Visit to the Mailbag

For the past few months I have been getting e-mail and phone calls asking for advice on technology for mental health. Here are some questions and my answers (paraphrased):

Q: I am a single practitioner looking for billing software. I don't have the time or energy to download all the demos and evaluate them. Can you tell me what you think would be best for my practice?"

A: It is becoming a crowded market. In our 1997 book, The Mental Health Technology Bible, Dr. Michelle Weil and I reviewed 24 programs, some of which have gone to the Recycle Bin in the sky. We developed five criteria to evaluate these software packages: (1) "look and feel," (2) features, (3) cost, (4) support and (5) company history. Luckily, all but one of these criteria can be ascertained with a telephone call or a trip to the web. I would begin by gathering telephone numbers and web sites for several software packages that you have heard or read about. Ask your colleagues what they use and the pros and cons of their choices. [NOTE: Below you will find a table of my favorite billing software in alphabetical order.]

For features, cost, company history and support phone or visit the website. First, however, visit a web site or two and copy down the features that seem most valuable in their order of importance. Make a checklist so that you can evaluate the package with check marks when you contact the company.

"Look and Feel" is personal. Order or download a demo copy of 2-3 programs that have the features you want and enter 6-10 patients including insurance information. Then do a mock recording of a few sessions for each and practice billing their insurance, generating reports, etc. See how the process feels to you. Is it easy to maneuver around the screens? Check out the manual. Is it readable? Does it include pictures you can see on the screen? This is important in your learning process. Call and "test drive" the support staff. Ask questions and evaluate their responsiveness, clarity and helpfulness.

The final decision is, of course, yours. But remember, a program's cost includes support and upgrade costs. Amortize these costs over five years to determine a yearly cost for each program.

<NOTE: The following Q & A was not included in the printed article due to space limitations.>

Q: " I want to buy a free-standing fax machine. Which fax would you recommend? And what features are important?"

A: I like Brother fax machines, having had two with no problems. I would look at one that faxes at least 10 pages at once and then consider other features they offer, including delayed sending, broadcasting (sending the same fax to many people) and polling (calling another fax machine and receiving information). Try an office superstore so you can compare models. Of course, plain paper is the only choice! Another point to know -- fax machines only come with a starter cartridge that will run out quickly. Buy a backup because when it goes, it goes immediately, in the middle of a fax! Luckily most have a memory backup.

Copyright, 2000, The National Psychologist. Reprinted with permission. The National Psychologist is a privately-owned bimonthly newspaper which may be purchased for $30 a year. Write or call: TNP, 6100 Channingway Blvd., Suite 303, Columbus, OH 43232; telephone: 614.861.1999 or fax with Visa or MC to 614.861.1996.