Implementing an automated financial management system for medical practices.

The increase in availability, affordability, and sophistication of computer technology over the past few years has prompted the development of numerous high-quality software packages for management of medical practice. Although the prices of computer hardware and software continue to decrease, the purchase of an automated system remains a major investment. To ensure a successful purchase and implementation of a system, physicians and office managers must first become knowledgeable about computers and their applicability to medical practice and then devise a strategy for the purchase of a system.