Take your business on the road
Tech advice for a mobile chiropractor who wants to take his business to his clients.
Edgar Facuseh, Miami, Fla.
I have a mobile chiropractor business. Recently, I came across an electronic medical records program that does everything I need, from notetaking to billing to patient scheduling. Best of all, it’s Web-based. I have a list of all the portable equipment I need for the chiropractic part. The only equipment I’m not sure of is the technical communications equipment required: What do I need to be able to carry around my laptop and be able to get online from any location, be it a patient’s home, an office or at an athletic event? Also, what cell phone brand and service can I purchase that can work alongside my laptop?
By Shara Rutberg, Fortune Small Business contributor
Dear Edgar: First, you’ll need to decide what type of smart phone or PDA will best serve you and your chiropractic business, says Javier Barbeite, information resources manager for the South Florida office of the Small Business Association.
“The fork in the road for phones comes down to a few basic choices: a Microsoft (MSFT) Windows-based phone, a Palm-based phone or a RIM Blackberry,” he says. Windows-based phones (or, if you’re a Mac user, Apple’s iPhone) have less of a learning curve, as they look similar to your desktop. Palm products, like a Treo, “are usually something a computer geek will go for, it’s far more customizable, with over 10,000 different software programs you can add,” Barbeite says. A Blackberry is really geared toward heavy e-mail users; it’s for “people who need to see every e-mail as it arrives and be able to respond immediately.”
Most likely your phone will be operating separately from your laptop. “Only in very, very specialized cases do you need to really link into a laptop, we don’t see a lot of people out there doing that,” says Barbeite. To access the Internet, the most reliable and efficient method he’s seen in your area is the Verizon (VZ) broadband Internet access card.
“Think of it as a cellular phone modem, a card that slides into your laptop,” he says. You buy a card, along with a contract, the same way you do a cell phone. Customers who already have a cell phone contract with Verizon get a significant discount, so you might want to consider switching if you currently use another carrier.
Communication is key, says Dr. Jeffery Solomon from Mobile Chiropractic. While working as the chiropractor on the set of the movie Miami Vice, Solomon was inspired by the portability of the movie industry: crews are able to bring, lights, camera and meals for 300 to wherever they shoot. He has since designed four high-tech RVs customized for use as mobile chiropractic offices. His book Guide to Mobile Chiropractic, available through his Web site, outlines the specifics.
Solomon uses his mobile communications network to send out e-mails as he arrives at corporate parks or other large clients. “I can send out a message saying ‘hey, we’re arriving, if anybody needs us,’” says Solomon. “It increases the volume and really keeps the flow going.” For client records and notes for insurance companies, “my voice dictation program has been a spectacular aide.”
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DiggBuy yourself a wireless cell card from any of the cell phone providers. Mainly USB connection to your laptop. You’ll be able to connect to the Internet anywhere, any time.
Don
Edgar,
What an extraordinary venture and unique idea – a Chiropractor that comes to YOU!
I’m a tech buff and am in a mobile job as well so I can likely speak to your needs.
First things first! To carry your laptop, you’ll need a backpack or laptop bag that is designed to fit the screen size to protect your investment. Some are vinyl, some are leather and some are faux leather. It really does not matter as all are designed to do the same things. I’d suggest finding one that seems well padded and is comfortable for you. Also, if aesthetics are important, find one that you think looks good. I personally carry mine in a backpack that has loads of pockets since I carry my power cord, a PC cable (to hook to projectors for presentation), a wireless mouse (much nicer than using the pad on the laptop), my cell phone, some headphones, a wireless presenter and a few adapters. My pack is loaded but it is also the most functional laptop bag I have ever owned.
In order to get synced up to the Internet, I’d suggest a wireless laptop card from a cellular provider. It’s basically a device that hooks to the USB port of your laptop and you can sync to the net using the device from any where that you can get a cell signal. I use AT&T and I know that Verizon also has some. I’m sure that both are very similar in terms of specifications. I’d talk to your current provider about what options they may have that way your cell bill and wireless card bill are combined on the same monthly statement.
The last thing I might suggest is that you look in to purchasing a portable printer in the event that you might need to print documents while in the field. I know Canon has made one for years that is very reliable.
Hope this helps!
Very interesting and innovative approach to delivering chiropractic care on the road. Technology definitely makes it possible without many of the headaches we used to encounter with a cluster of paperwork. I’d also be a bit curious about the chiropractic marketing that’s involved in spreading this service. I may grab the book.
My advice to you: buy a Blackberry for your wireless internet needs. This is the best Smartphone ever. From this device you can easily get online from any location.
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Your best bet is to contact a major IT ‘channel’ reseller for advice. They offer complete solution asisstance without charging (on the assumption that when you buy what you need for your project you’d buy it through them). The best IT reseller in my opinion is PC Connection by a long shot. They have account managers who will connect you with a ‘Technical Sales Specialist’ to answer all your questions and help you map it all out.