SLO Eye Associates and Cybernet Keyboard PCs for Ophthalmology

In 2011, the IT department of SLO Eye Associates was tasked with introducing PC technology into the exam rooms to run new electronic medical record (EMR) software from Medinformatix. Creating a new EMR system is never as easy as just buying and downloading a program — oftentimes, the entire computer system of the facility needs to be reevaluated and potentially upgraded. Prior to that, they had used paper records and manual data entry, so they needed to consider the entire practice for an up-to-date electronic system. This wasn’t the end of their challenges: the 19 exam rooms at their three locations had limited space for PC equipment, as is the situation with most medical exam rooms. A desktop computer and all of its assorted peripherals just wouldn’t work. SLO tried to run their EMR from an iPad, but the screen ended up being too small, and the software too slow. They needed to find small form factor PCs that would run the software efficiently, and be reliable enough to run all day and night without a hiccup.

The Practice Administrator researched various PC technologies that would not only fit in constrained spaces but could run their EMR software. They did some Internet research and found Cybernet Manufacturing, whose helpful sales staff suggested they speak with another ophthalmologic practice in Nevada to assess how the Cybernet all-in-one PCs could be best used for SLO Eye Associates. After that discussion, the Practice Administrator ordered a Cybernet ZPC-D5 keyboard PC to test for a few weeks. They loaded the EMR software on the unit and had the ophthalmology technicians (who are the primary users) test them for speed and accuracy of input. They passed the technicians’ test with flying colors. The price was also right, and fit in well with their projections, providing a reliable, small footprint computer they could use to upgrade all of their exam rooms without breaking the budget. SLO Eye Associates ordered the ZPC-D5s keyboard PCs and had them installed in all of the exam rooms in their three facilities.

The ZPC-D5s keyboard computers were deployed where they were needed most. The ZPCs were connected to the flat-screen monitors that were already mounted on the walls of the exam rooms. After that, the entire computer took up only the space of a keyboard on the exam room counter, leaving plenty of room for instruments and supplies. Best of all, the keyboard PCs easily fit within the space without having to make any modifications. The ophthalmology technicians and physicians are able to input EMR quickly and accurately, and access medical images during patient exams no matter what room they’re in. Now, SLO enjoys a modern EMR system, new space-efficient computers, and tons of extra workspace room. The ability to quickly update and pull records has sped up productivity, lowered patient wait times, and generally increased the efficacy of SLO Eye Associates across the board. The Practice Administrator is also very pleased with the performance and reliability of the ZPC-D5s, given their small size and reasonable price.