One often overlooked route to efficiency is changing the way you use technology in your practice. Here are a few tips from accounting firm Lacher McDonald for getting more from your electronics.

Go paperless. A paperless system not only saves trees, but also your time. You'll no longer need to ask around for a missing file-they'll all be on the computer. Your files will be better organized, and you won't have to mess with changing those pesky printer cartridges so often.

Learn to use your software.You probably know the basics of your practice software, but there are plenty more features you haven't touched. Most software vendors provide a range of training courses for their products. Take advantage of these tutorials and you'll likely see a spike in efficiency. And if you're still using an old, outdated software program, now's a great time to upgrade.

Give team members an all-access pass.Providing remote access to team members allows them to reach their individual desktops from any connected computer. This can dramatically increase work-flow, since each team member won't be stuck working at just one computer.

Start shopping. Money's tight right now, but that gigantic copy machine you're still using is hogging valuable resources - and space - in your facility. Many facilities are shifting toward smaller, streamlined desktop scanners to save on ink and electricity usage - as well as team members' time.

There are many strategies for increasing efficiency these days, so don't overlook your technology usage. A few small changes can go a long way.

Keeping tabs on technology: How equipment can pay off
You may be set in your ways, but here's the bottom line: It's time to join your computer-savvy colleagues.

Anyone who drives an old, unreliable car understands the importance of regular maintenance. Without constant monitoring, small problems can go unnoticed - and then turn into big, expensive headaches. And getting those problems fixed has a major impact on your daily routine. How will you get where you need to go? Can you afford the repairs? When should you buy a newer car?

Your facility equipment isn't much different from a car. Equipment malfunctions can cost your facility money for repairs, but they can also prevent you from offering the highest-quality care to your patients. Slow computers can cause a slowdown in your front desk employees' work-flow - and drive them crazy with frustration.

Perhaps it's time to re-evaluate the effectiveness of your equipment. Look for areas in your facility where archaic machines could improve productivity and bring in more revenue. If buying new equipment isn't an option, look for ways to get the most out of what you have. For example, just half of the facilities surveyed use their facility software for storing electronic medical records, and only 44 percent track client compliance. If your facility doesn't do these things, it might be time to start.

Source:  Aug 17, 2009 VETERINARY ECONOMICS; Aug 1