Start with your own day
Write down what happens from the moment a patient walks in until they leave. Note where people wait, what gets written twice, and what gets lost. Then judge every product against that list.
Bring your receptionist to the demo. They will use the software most, and they will spot problems that an owner will not.
Test these in a demo
- Register a new patient. Count the clicks.
- Search for a patient by phone number.
- Book, reschedule and cancel an appointment.
- Check in a patient and move them through the queue.
- Write a note and a prescription as your doctor would.
- Make a bill, take a payment, and give a refund.
- Pull yesterday's collection report.
Ask about your data
- Can we export all our data, and in what format?
- Who can see what, and can we control it by role?
- Is our data kept apart from other customers' data?
- Is there a record of who opened or changed documents?
- What happens to our data if we leave?
Ask about cost and support
- What is the full yearly cost, including setup, users and messages?
- Is there a limit on doctors, branches or patients?
- Who helps us move our existing records?
- How do we reach support during OPD hours?
- Is there training for reception and doctors?
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying for features you will not use in the first year.
- Judging only by the demo, without trying it on a real day.
- Assuming a claim is true. Ask to see it working, and ask for proof of any certification.
- Skipping staff training.
Score each product
| Area | Weight | Product A | Product B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front desk speed | High | ||
| Doctor notes | High | ||
| Billing and reports | High | ||
| Data control and export | Medium | ||
| Support and training | Medium | ||
| Total yearly cost | Medium |