Search found 160 matches

by B.Thomas
Fri Sep 14, 2018 2:38 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Multiple locations - FREE Google Remote Desktop
Replies: 2
Views: 15205

Re: Multiple locations - FREE Google Remote Desktop

To gain Hipaa compliance it is best to use a GSuite Account and turn on 2 factor authentication. I don't think it is capable of tracking logins and usage, which is required by Hipaa.
by B.Thomas
Thu Sep 14, 2017 2:38 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Multiple Location Strategies
Replies: 2
Views: 6252

Re: Multiple Location Strategies

It is a bit complicated by I setup a VPN connection between the two offices. This allowed us to keep only one Open Dental Database, which is stored on the Server at the main location. Our internet speed are 50Mbps and the transfer of data and images is almost instant. Initially I used Hamachi softwa...
by B.Thomas
Fri Jun 26, 2015 11:52 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Insurance Payment Plans
Replies: 0
Views: 4010

Insurance Payment Plans

We recently updated Open Dental and are starting to use the updated Insurance Payment Plan feature. What is the best way to enter insurance payments using the new feature? In the past we were entering insurance payments in the claim by "Total". Now it is creating a problem with production reports as...
by B.Thomas
Mon May 18, 2015 3:58 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Appointment Colors
Replies: 8
Views: 9026

Re: Appointment Colors

Thanks Jason! I figured it out. The assistant clicked the appointment view to "none".
by B.Thomas
Mon May 18, 2015 1:53 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Appointment Colors
Replies: 8
Views: 9026

Re: Appointment Colors

Silly related question. What setting allows the little dot on the top right of the appointment that indicates if the patient is in the waiting room, seated or completed?
by B.Thomas
Mon May 11, 2015 2:52 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: HIPAA Compliant Email
Replies: 50
Views: 139406

Re: HIPAA Compliant Email

I started using Virtru for sending encrypted email. It is pretty cheap at only $2.00 per month per user. A couple of offices that are technologically "challenged" have troubles following the instructions, but most figure it out quickly.
by B.Thomas
Mon Jan 05, 2015 12:05 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Change the Referral Specialty List
Replies: 1
Views: 2957

Change the Referral Specialty List

Is it possible to change the specialties in the referral specialty list? I wanted to add a category for "Insurance Company" since we receive so many referrals from them. Is there a better way to do this? Thanks
by B.Thomas
Thu Dec 04, 2014 3:12 am
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: OpenDental in the Cloud... serverless setup
Replies: 5
Views: 10756

Re: OpenDental in the Cloud... serverless setup

I would also like the idea of a cloud based server. I think the main obstacle right now is HIPAA compliance. If you could find a company that hosted a hipaa compliant virtual server, then you could simply install opendental on it and connect to it via a vpn.
by B.Thomas
Tue Jul 22, 2014 12:30 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Bug Report/buggy behavior - pay periods ended
Replies: 9
Views: 15915

Re: Bug Report/buggy behavior - pay periods ended

We just started using Open Dental for tracking employee time. I also noticed a problem when adding Pay Periods. When Clicking the "Add" button in the Time card setup it adds a 14 day pay period by default. The problem is that it adds 14 days on the day after the last pay period, so it is actually ad...
by B.Thomas
Mon Jul 21, 2014 6:28 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Assigning Clinics to Operatories and Appointment Views
Replies: 1
Views: 3107

Assigning Clinics to Operatories and Appointment Views

We just opened a satellite office and I want to be able to schedule patient appointments by office (or clinic since we enabled the clinic feature). Assuming each patient is assigned to the correct clinic in the family module, is it possible that each patient can only be scheduled to their assigned c...
by B.Thomas
Wed Jun 18, 2014 4:39 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Referral button
Replies: 13
Views: 12968

Re: Referral button

Dr. Tech's plugin is awesome. We use it a lot. I vote for incorporating it into the full program :)
by B.Thomas
Wed Jun 18, 2014 4:23 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Shiny New ASUS Router - VPN Question
Replies: 16
Views: 15255

Re: Shiny New ASUS Router - VPN Question

If you want a simple VPN solution that is encrypted try Hamachi by Logmein. It is a software based VPN through your computers instead of router to router. I am getting ping times of less than 10ms between my two offices. Way easier than installing Open VPN :)
by B.Thomas
Tue Jun 17, 2014 7:31 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Biometric Time and attendance System for OD
Replies: 5
Views: 10598

Re: Biometric Time and attendance System for OD

The biometric scanner would also be a great feature for patient check in. What would be involved to get a scanner to work with open dental? Here are a couple of scanners on Amazon that have decent reviews along with their corresponding Software Development Kits to save your developers some time. Zve...
by B.Thomas
Fri May 09, 2014 8:30 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: OD email Recall issues
Replies: 15
Views: 16098

Re: OD email Recall issues

I had to drop Office 365. Microsoft requires one of two options which neither worked:

1) Open Dental to have TLS support
2) Use the less secure route of using port 25 which my internet provider (Verizon) completely blocks

I will give Google Apps a try.
by B.Thomas
Tue May 06, 2014 11:27 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: OD email Recall issues
Replies: 15
Views: 16098

Re: OD email Recall issues

I had Office 365 working for a while through open dental but now I am receiveing error messages stating "The SMTP server requires a secure connections". I tried checking the SSL box in email settings with the same result. I contacted Microsoft and they stated the email client needs TLS support. Is t...
by B.Thomas
Tue Apr 15, 2014 7:17 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: HIPAA Compliant Email
Replies: 50
Views: 139406

Re: HIPAA Compliant Email

no one paying for Google Apps? https://support.google.com/a/answer/3407054?hl=en From what I understand both Google Apps and MS Office 365 will make sending from our office and the transmission of the email secure. The problem is there is no guarantee the recipient's email is secure. So I think the...
by B.Thomas
Mon Apr 07, 2014 11:26 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: MySQL Hot Backup or Slave Database
Replies: 4
Views: 9472

Re: MySQL Hot Backup or Slave Database

David, have you tested Open Dental on the backup server? I am using a program called "Second Copy" but it gets stuck on 4 MySQL files with the warning "file is in use". As a result the Open dental files on the backup server are not completely copied. I assume this is because the MYSQL service is run...
by B.Thomas
Sun Apr 06, 2014 2:47 am
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: MySQL Hot Backup or Slave Database
Replies: 4
Views: 9472

MySQL Hot Backup or Slave Database

For a "What if my server crashes plan" I would like to set up a second duplicate server to be ready to go "on the fly" if our server crashes. I can synchronize most every other file with a number of programs except locked MySQL files. The user manual eludes to the ability of MySQL to make hot backup...
by B.Thomas
Tue Mar 25, 2014 5:08 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: How to hide/delete task lists
Replies: 5
Views: 8182

Re: How to hide/delete task lists

Since this original post it looks like we are now able to delete tasks lists that are empty. I was however having difficulty deleting an empty task list that was attached to an employee as an inbox. When trying to delete the old inbox I kept getting the error message, "not allowed to delete the task...
by B.Thomas
Sat Mar 08, 2014 2:54 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: OD email Recall issues
Replies: 15
Views: 16098

Re: OD email Recall issues

Patient Portal??? Hmmm....http://www.opendental.com/manual/patientportal.html Since it's not available till 14.2 how difficult is it to host our own patient portal? "Purchase and install a certificate from any certificate authority for a few hundred dollars." Are certificates really a few hundred or...
by B.Thomas
Fri Mar 07, 2014 2:23 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: OD email Recall issues
Replies: 15
Views: 16098

Re: OD email Recall issues

How is the new encrypted email in 14.1 working? What are the requirements for it to be HIPAA compliant?
by B.Thomas
Wed Mar 05, 2014 2:54 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: OD email Recall issues
Replies: 15
Views: 16098

Re: OD email Recall issues

I'm pretty sure this particular issue was fixed quite a while ago. v13.3 is a version that was never released to the public so you might as well go to v14.1 because we will not fix any bugs for you in that version. What email service are you using? What port are you using and is the SSL box checked...
by B.Thomas
Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:35 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: OD email Recall issues
Replies: 15
Views: 16098

Re: OD email Recall issues

I am using Version 13.3.8 and just received the same error today. Did I jump the gun compiling a beta version?
by B.Thomas
Mon Feb 17, 2014 10:39 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: One Database or Two...that is the question
Replies: 2
Views: 3813

Re: One Database or Two...that is the question

Thanks Jason. That convinces me to start with one database and use the clinic feature. Did I mention today how AWESOME Open Dental is? What a well thought out feature and service that is.
by B.Thomas
Mon Feb 17, 2014 6:28 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: One Database or Two...that is the question
Replies: 2
Views: 3813

One Database or Two...that is the question

So I am opening a satellite office soon and am torn with the question if I should run two separate databases or just one. Since there is just one provider the advantages of one database is we only need one schedule to maintain and if patients travel from one office to the other, the data will be eas...
by B.Thomas
Mon Feb 17, 2014 6:19 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Dentrix vs. Open Dental
Replies: 16
Views: 40914

Re: Dentrix vs. Open Dental

I must admit, some 3-D user interface graphics would be nice. Maybe add some rounded corners and a Windows 7 Aero Theme look....just don't follow Microsoft with their Windows 8 Metro disaster :( As a specialist I visit many dental offices and always check out what system they are using. In my opinio...
by B.Thomas
Sun Feb 16, 2014 10:44 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Dentrix vs. Open Dental
Replies: 16
Views: 40914

Dentrix vs. Open Dental

So there is this new member of Dental Town who just joined last month, "Drphannie". He or She has started two topics in Dental Town. One titled "Dentrix vs. OpenDental" the other "If Dentrix and Open Dental were the SAME PRICE, which PMS would you really choose?" Both topics subtly undermine Open De...
by B.Thomas
Wed Feb 05, 2014 12:21 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: HIPAA Compliant Email
Replies: 50
Views: 139406

Re: HIPAA Compliant Email

What is the latest status on encrypted email? Is it in version 13.3? Can't wait to try it.
by B.Thomas
Sat Feb 01, 2014 3:53 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Ortho
Replies: 12
Views: 19326

Re: Ortho

I've just been using the "insert note" feature by right clicking on the chart notes. From there I have a number of pre written notes divided up by type: wires, elastics, hygiene etc. I only spend about 30 seconds per patient entering notes.
by B.Thomas
Mon Jan 27, 2014 4:47 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Linking website to database in the office
Replies: 13
Views: 12850

Re: Linking website to database in the office

Yes, a big red Hipaa flag popped up when I read that. You would need to ensure the website server, where the patient information was being stored, is private and not shared for starters. Then make sure that server drive was encrypted and that there was a log of every user who had access to it. I've ...
by B.Thomas
Thu Nov 07, 2013 11:03 pm
Forum: Developers
Topic: Error: Mixed mode assembly
Replies: 19
Views: 34962

Re: Error: Mixed mode assembly

Thanks for the sgen.exe.config tip. I was getting frustrated for a while.
by B.Thomas
Thu Oct 17, 2013 11:00 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Signatures for Credit Card Payments
Replies: 6
Views: 6977

Re: Signatures for Credit Card Payments

I contacted Mag Tek who makes a pin pad with the built in signature pad and they said they do not include software that saves the signature. It must be integrated with the software.

Jordan, would the easiest solution be to make a sheet with a signature area?
by B.Thomas
Thu Oct 10, 2013 8:04 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Signatures for Credit Card Payments
Replies: 6
Views: 6977

Re: Signatures for Credit Card Payments

There is a signature pinpad called the magtek ipad sc that works with xcharge but they were unable to tell me if it works with with open dental. Are there any other users that have a signature capture device that works with open dental?
by B.Thomas
Thu Oct 03, 2013 11:36 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Signatures for Credit Card Payments
Replies: 6
Views: 6977

Signatures for Credit Card Payments

I just signed up and installed X-charge today in the hopes it will save us some time and work. I was disappointed to find out our Topaz signature pad does not work with credit card payments. Instead it prints out a paper copy of the receipt to sign which we then have to scan to be paperless. Is ther...
by B.Thomas
Thu Jul 18, 2013 3:03 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: ScanX Advice Needed
Replies: 6
Views: 10750

Re: ScanX Advice Needed

Just some notes from someone who has been digital since before the turn of the century.... I currently use Denoptix for intraorals, a Sirona digital pan and have Schick sensors dangling unused on the wall. If the office burnt down and I had to do it all over again I would get what . For the Denopti...
by B.Thomas
Thu Jul 18, 2013 2:56 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Print or email Lab Slips - default settings
Replies: 18
Views: 17659

Re: Print or email Lab Slips - default settings

In case we do want to email the lab, can you have the lab's email address filled in automatically when the "email to lab" box is ticked? Otherwise we have to look up the lab's email address, copy and paste it. Thanks!
by B.Thomas
Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:35 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: DrTech's Plugin
Replies: 40
Views: 63158

Re: DrTech's Plugin

Thanks Again! I'm not sure if I'm the only other one that uses your Plugin, but it is very helpful, especially for ortho offices. I didn't upgrade to 13.1 because at the time it still said Beta. It looks like 13.1 is done and 13.2 was released this week. I'm such a geek. I still get excited when a n...
by B.Thomas
Tue Jul 09, 2013 1:28 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: DrTech's Plugin
Replies: 40
Views: 63158

Re: DrTech's Plugin

Which Version of the Plugin would you recommend for Version 12.4.69? V 1.5.3 is crashing and I can't find the download link to 1.6.1 to try it. Thanks!
by B.Thomas
Sun Nov 11, 2012 10:58 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: What is your "Oh no my server crashed" plan?
Replies: 60
Views: 319584

Re: What is your "Oh no my server crashed" plan?

I was fishing around on the Amazon site and they also host MySQL databases for deployment. http://aws.amazon.com/rds/mysql/

Does that mean we could run our MySQL database from the Amazon "Cloud"?
by B.Thomas
Sun Nov 04, 2012 11:57 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Vixwin bridge
Replies: 36
Views: 1993654

Re: Vixwin bridge

Has anyone ever tried DxTwain to directly import images to the OpenDental Image file?

http://www.gendex.com/US/Products/Imagi ... TWAIN.aspx
by B.Thomas
Mon Oct 29, 2012 10:28 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Windows 8?
Replies: 4
Views: 5264

Windows 8?

Has anyone tried Windows 8 with Open Dental? I usually like to wait until they release the first service pack and work out the kinks.
by B.Thomas
Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:05 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: DrTech's Plugin
Replies: 40
Views: 63158

Re: DrTech's Plugin

Thanks for the good work. I will upgrade and give it a try.
by B.Thomas
Mon Oct 22, 2012 10:58 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Windows 7 Starter Edition
Replies: 3
Views: 4070

Re: Windows Embedded Compact 7

Would Open Dental install on and run on Windows Embedded Compact 7? The 7 makes it sound like it is related to Windows 7 but I think it is a different platform.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Embedded_Compact_7
by B.Thomas
Fri Oct 12, 2012 8:27 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: Bluetooth network encryption
Replies: 16
Views: 24464

Re: Wireless Security

dd-wrt is Awesome! Thanks again. As it turns out there is a way to shut off the wireless network during non-business hours. It is under Wireless>Advanced Settings>Radio Timer. Radio Times Restrictions The Radio Times Restriction facility constitutes a time switch for the radio. By default, the time ...
by B.Thomas
Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:35 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: Bluetooth network encryption
Replies: 16
Views: 24464

Re: Bluetooth network encryption

Very cool stuff teeth dood! There are some instructional videos on YouTube as well as the dd-wrt wiki page so I will give it a shot this weekend. Do you know if there is a setting to shut the WiFi off during non business hours? I think that would be an additional security layer to prevent hacker acc...
by B.Thomas
Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:31 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Online Bill Pay for Patients
Replies: 12
Views: 11901

Re: Online Bill Pay for Patients

Scott, Thanks for your input. How would our office receive notification that a payment has been made? I assume by email and then the business assistant would manually enter the payment into Open Dental. I don't know if it exists for any PM software but the ideal scenario would be for the PM software...
by B.Thomas
Fri Oct 05, 2012 10:18 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: Bluetooth network encryption
Replies: 16
Views: 24464

Re: Bluetooth network encryption

Get a router with "Guest" network capability. You can also get a router with DD-WRT compatibility. Load DD-WRT firmware to it and you're ready to go. Thanks for the tip. I did some research and DD-WRT looks impressive. What has your experience been with it? Is it complicated to set up and manage?
by B.Thomas
Thu Oct 04, 2012 1:08 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Direct Digital Panorex
Replies: 5
Views: 5894

Re: Direct Digital Panorex

Like bpcomp, I also like having the images in one application and one database. I run a busy ortho office and I want to click images and look at the pan in as few seconds as possible.
by B.Thomas
Thu Oct 04, 2012 1:05 am
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: Bluetooth network encryption
Replies: 16
Views: 24464

Re: Bluetooth network encryption

On a related topic is it possible to safely set up public WiFi access completely separate from our office network? I am thinking having a separate router or buying the Cisco Valet, which offers guest browsing.
by B.Thomas
Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:29 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Direct Digital Panorex
Replies: 5
Views: 5894

Direct Digital Panorex

I am in the market for a direct digital panorex unit. My question is do any of the direct digital models import the panorex directly into OpenDental as a Jpeg Image? Can the "capture" button in images be used for this?

If not, which Panorex companies does Opendental have program links to?
by B.Thomas
Wed Sep 26, 2012 11:24 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: CareCredit
Replies: 28
Views: 41011

Re: CareCredit

I agree it is not necessary to track Care credit separately if you do your accounting on a cash basis system. We treat Care credit as a discount and just have one negative adjustment for it. The only reason I would think it would be important to track Care Credit in QuickBooks is if we can use it as...
by B.Thomas
Fri Sep 07, 2012 9:12 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Online Bill Pay for Patients
Replies: 12
Views: 11901

Re: Online Bill Pay for Patients

Just bringing up an old topic. I was curious what current options there are for patients to make online payments to their accounts. Does x-charge or pay connect allow patients to pay directly to their accounts? That would be the most precise.
by B.Thomas
Wed Sep 05, 2012 1:21 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: Bluetooth network encryption
Replies: 16
Views: 24464

Re: Bluetooth network encryption

Do yourself a favor and get a wifi router/USB wifi adapters. Very simple. Fast. Encryption available. Wifi router = $30. Wifi USB adapters = $10/each On a side note, my office are wired with Cat6 cables. I could easily plug the cat6 cables into my computers, but I didn't, as my computers have wifi....
by B.Thomas
Wed Aug 29, 2012 12:03 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: Bluetooth network encryption
Replies: 16
Views: 24464

Re: Bluetooth network encryption

Hmmm, any other ideas other than cables?

Would I be better off adding a wireless wi-fi adapter to the wired computer and bridging the network there? That computer is shut off every night so the wi-fi connection would only be available during working hours.
by B.Thomas
Tue Aug 28, 2012 11:01 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: Bluetooth network encryption
Replies: 16
Views: 24464

Bluetooth network encryption

I wanted to add a second computer to an exam room, however I don't want to run cat 5 cables. Is it possible to network the two computers in one room via bluetooth and bridge the connections on the pc with the wired connection? If so could the bluetooth connection be encrypted? My next alternative is...
by B.Thomas
Mon Aug 27, 2012 6:45 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Email letter to referral dentist
Replies: 4
Views: 8685

Re: Email letter to referral dentist

I was unsure if it was worth investing the time developing custom sheets because they currently still do not accomplish what I want. I would like to be able to perform the initial exam and have my assistant check the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan on the exam sheet. Then have those fields ...
by B.Thomas
Tue Aug 21, 2012 4:04 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Spell Checker
Replies: 3
Views: 3986

Spell Checker

Would it be difficult to add a spell checker to open dental? There are so many different modules and note areas I'm thinking it would be complicated.
by B.Thomas
Mon Aug 20, 2012 3:58 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Multiple Locations
Replies: 10
Views: 21184

Re: Multiple Locations

I have another question regarding multiple offices. If I choose to use only one database for the different locations, what is the best way to identify which office each patient is seen at? A new patient field? Secondary provider? I would like for the identification to show up on the appointment book...
by B.Thomas
Thu Aug 09, 2012 7:29 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Multiple Locations
Replies: 10
Views: 21184

Re: Multiple Locations

Another option would be to take an Apricorn hardware encrypted hard drive back and forth. It would connect directly to the server at each location. That would be an easier way to solve the encryption problem and it would also be lighter. I LOVE my Apricorn hard drive. Haven't had time to add that t...
by B.Thomas
Thu Aug 09, 2012 12:41 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Multiple Locations
Replies: 10
Views: 21184

Re: Multiple Locations

What are the thoughts on using a laptop as a server and physically taking it with you? I will be running a one doc, two location setup. What problems might we encounter? Thanks!
by B.Thomas
Wed Jun 06, 2012 6:49 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: 1 800 dentist
Replies: 7
Views: 17306

Re: 1 800 dentist

We still use their email reminder service (formerly dental senders). It works good. The patient's really like the reminders. I inquired about the 1-800 referral service but that was very pricey and still doesn't guarantee the patient will agree to treatment.
by B.Thomas
Wed Jun 06, 2012 6:44 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Preventing appointments in Blockout areas
Replies: 5
Views: 5732

Re: Preventing appointments in Blockout areas

That would be a nice feature to only allow the designated appointment in the blockout. As for now it is a training and management issue. When I see someone book the wrong type of appointment in the block I use the audit trail to determine who did it, then discuss the importance of staying within the...
by B.Thomas
Sat May 26, 2012 12:20 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Windows 7 Starter Edition
Replies: 3
Views: 4070

Windows 7 Starter Edition

I noticed some inexpensive tablets for sale with Windows 7 Starter Edition as the OS. Does Open Dental install and work with this OS? I'm thinking about using this for patient forms at a kiosk.
by B.Thomas
Mon May 21, 2012 2:53 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Image Delete Security
Replies: 1
Views: 2724

Image Delete Security

Is there a different way to set a time limit in security for deleting an image? The manual says there is a time limit but I just get a check box for off or on.

http://www.opendental.com/manual/permissions.html

I am running Version 12.2
by B.Thomas
Mon May 14, 2012 3:27 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Advice before I buy another printer?
Replies: 7
Views: 7817

Re: Advice before I buy another printer?

An old topic, but how do you feel about your printers now? I have both an Epson workforce and HP 8500. I like the quality of both but it seems I am changing cartridges much more frequently with the Epson. I was trying to find some research on it but I'm guessing the cost per page for the Epson is hi...
by B.Thomas
Fri May 11, 2012 4:17 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Backup
Replies: 9
Views: 8872

Re: Backup

I just noticed that recently and thought that it was a good feature add on. Since it's just the MySQL files, the space uptake is not too bad.
by B.Thomas
Wed May 09, 2012 1:03 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: What is your "Oh no my server crashed" plan?
Replies: 60
Views: 319584

Re: What is your "Oh no my server crashed" plan?

As "an IT guy" who helped my neighbor find OD and helped them through the install & subsequent running (>4 yrs now iirc) of their office, this is how they handle the "what if the server fails" scenario for their office, fwiw: Whew, a bit longer than I'd intended. Hope its useful. Very useful info. ...
by B.Thomas
Wed May 09, 2012 12:52 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: New Open Dental Plugin Released
Replies: 49
Views: 67747

Re: New Open Dental Plugin Released

That is Sweet! Works great! This really should be incorporated with the release version. Very useful!
by B.Thomas
Tue May 01, 2012 7:06 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: New Open Dental Plugin Released
Replies: 49
Views: 67747

Re: New Open Dental Plugin Released

I appreciate it. Any chance we can get this Plugin incorporated with the regular versions of OpenDental (Jordan)? It's very functional and David has done all the work.
by B.Thomas
Mon Apr 30, 2012 5:43 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: New Open Dental Plugin Released
Replies: 49
Views: 67747

Re: New Open Dental Plugin Released

David, Have you tried out the plugin for Version 12.1 yet? I received this error; System.MissingMethodException: Method not found: 'OpenDentBusiness.Provider[] OpenDentBusiness.ProviderC.get_List()'. at PluginDrTECH.FormRpStatementP.CreateDocument(FormRpStatement sender, Document doc, PrintDocument ...
by B.Thomas
Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:22 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: CC Recurring Charges
Replies: 5
Views: 6254

Re: CC Recurring Charges

How has recurring charges been working for other users?

We mostly have payment plans so I'm not sure there is a workaround for us.
by B.Thomas
Thu Apr 12, 2012 4:31 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: What is your "Oh no my server crashed" plan?
Replies: 60
Views: 319584

Re: What is your "Oh no my server crashed" plan?

Well, it happened to me yesterday and it wasn't fun. Fortunately the server came back to life after I used Windows System Restore. I think a recent Windows update caused the problem. It just kept rebooting. But of course it happened during the busiest part of our day causing us to create makeshift c...
by B.Thomas
Sat Sep 03, 2011 11:26 am
Forum: Developers
Topic: "Payment Plan Manager" Query Help
Replies: 4
Views: 8163

Re: "Payment Plan Manager" Query Help

Nice work on the payment plan report. I like how double clicking brings you to the patient in question. I wish I could help you with the Query stuff, but I too am a noob to this. One thing I noticed is the insurance payment plans come up as -734382 days past due.
by B.Thomas
Tue Aug 23, 2011 6:06 am
Forum: Developers
Topic: ResGen error
Replies: 24
Views: 36930

Re: ResGen error

This is the first time I am attempting to build OD on my new Windows 7 64 bit machine so I'm guessing it may be related to the operating system.
by B.Thomas
Mon Aug 22, 2011 2:59 pm
Forum: Developers
Topic: ResGen error
Replies: 24
Views: 36930

Re: ResGen error

I kept having the Resgen.exe error as well. I followed the directions on the Open Dental Source Code page; http://www.opendental.com/manual/sourcecode.html After Line 3 I had a problem: 3. Copy and paste: Corflags /32Bit+ /Force ResGen.exe then Enter. If successful, you will see about 5 lines of tex...
by B.Thomas
Wed Jun 01, 2011 3:05 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Time Clock Security on Server
Replies: 3
Views: 3945

Re: Time Clock Security on Server

The only problem I have is that Built-In Backup tool gets hung up and will not backup unless the user is in Administrator mode. Is this something to do with MySQL needing Administrator rights to backup?
by B.Thomas
Thu Apr 07, 2011 1:03 am
Forum: Developers
Topic: Mono for Android released
Replies: 0
Views: 3638

Mono for Android released

http://m.techspot.com/43166/
Mono for Android released, lets .NET developers build Android apps

This might make an Open dental app easier to make.
by B.Thomas
Thu Mar 03, 2011 11:02 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: New Open Dental Plugin Released
Replies: 49
Views: 67747

Re: New Open Dental Plugin Released

The return address is no printing at all on our statements. We are using v 7.5.23 and the payment plan plugin. Is this happening to everyone or just the Plugin users?
by B.Thomas
Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:34 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Multiple Locations
Replies: 10
Views: 21184

Multiple Locations

I am considering opening a second office and am overwhelmed by the choices in the manual; http://www.opendental.com/manual/multiplelocations.html I like the replication option as it would ensure continuity if there was an internet problem, but it seems complicated. Which is the most common option us...
by B.Thomas
Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:21 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Time Clock Security on Server
Replies: 3
Views: 3945

Time Clock Security on Server

One problem I have had in the past is when an ex-employee figured out when she changed the time on the server she could add hours to her time clock. When I used XP on the server I used a program called Clock Guard that prevented the problem. I recently switched the server to Windows 7 and the Clock ...
by B.Thomas
Sat Feb 12, 2011 10:47 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Image Delete on 7.5
Replies: 3
Views: 4036

Re: Image Delete on 7.5

Oh! Is that why that happens? I thought it was some other security feature blocking me.
by B.Thomas
Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:51 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Query Change?
Replies: 9
Views: 12946

Re: Query Change?

How can the waiting room report (Query #244) be corrected and updated on the Query example page? /*Waiting Room Report, shows time each patient arrived, length waiting, was seated,chair time and dismissed time. also give average waiting time*/ SET @FromDate='2009-01-01' , @ToDate='2009-01-15'; DROP ...
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:20 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Kiosk Hardware
Replies: 14
Views: 14577

Re: Kiosk Hardware

Hmmmm, I assumed that since so many offices and businesses were using electronic signatures it was accepted. How about all the credit card terminals? I doubt big corporations would use electronic signatures if they were not defendable. Here is wiki's description; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro...
by B.Thomas
Mon Jan 17, 2011 3:35 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Kiosk Hardware
Replies: 14
Views: 14577

Re: Kiosk Hardware

I just received an ad for Dell's new Inspiron Duo with a touch screen and a keypad. That would be good for inputing data as well as signatures. http://www.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/global/products/landing/en/inspiron?c=us&l=en The drawback I see is that the processor is only an Intel® Atom®...
by B.Thomas
Wed Jan 05, 2011 2:46 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Image Delete on 7.5
Replies: 3
Views: 4036

Image Delete on 7.5

I think tthe ability to prevent image deletion is a very important security feature. We tried it today and it was a bit of a pain because the staff would sometimes add incorrect photos and could not delete them. Can you add a time limit, like other security features, so they can have a day or so to ...
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 04, 2011 5:45 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: which version of windows7 to use....
Replies: 19
Views: 15064

Re: which version of windows7 to use....

I just tested 7.5.23 and it worked fine. It's possible the crashes are because I left out the new DrTech dll.
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 04, 2011 4:11 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: Warning! Recall types not set up properly.
Replies: 1
Views: 3164

Warning! Recall types not set up properly.

When running database maintenance I keep getting this error. Is there any way to figure out what specifically is triggering this? All the recall types appear to be OK. I even went so far as to delete them and re-add them, but still the same result.
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 04, 2011 2:12 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: which version of windows7 to use....
Replies: 19
Views: 15064

Re: which version of windows7 to use....

One more caveat. It is Windows 64 bit.
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 04, 2011 2:10 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: which version of windows7 to use....
Replies: 19
Views: 15064

Re: which version of windows7 to use....

Interesting. Would OpenDental crash on start if there was a problem connecting to the MySQL database?

The computer came with so much extra software that I think I might wipe the hard drive and start with a fresh install.
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 04, 2011 1:45 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: which version of windows7 to use....
Replies: 19
Views: 15064

Re: which version of windows7 to use....

Yep, I tried all the Vista tricks. It's really odd. I got a good deal on a Dell but it had windows 7 home. I need to go through the crash log to figure it out. When opening opendental, it just crashes immediately. I'm thining it has more to do with MySQL and the firewall but why would older versions...
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:51 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Kiosk Hardware
Replies: 14
Views: 14577

Re: Kiosk Hardware

Phillip,

That's pretty crafty! Recently, I was thinking myself, "I can access Opendental on an Android device through a web browser using Logmein so how can I do the same locally?" I've never tried Virtual Box but I can't wait to experiment at home. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks,
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:39 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: which version of windows7 to use....
Replies: 19
Views: 15064

Re: which version of windows 7 to use....

Here is the Windows Comparison page http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare I think the feature needed most for the server computer is the networking so the pro version is best for the server. That being said I cannot get Open Dental versions 7.3 or 7.4 to work on Windows 7 home...
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:06 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Waitng Room Alert
Replies: 1
Views: 2799

Waitng Room Alert

Have you ever noticed at a fast food restaurant the employees are constantly watching a screen with orders? As the orders get further behind the order starts flashing alerting the employee "this is urgent". I'm sure this is set up by corporate officials that want to emphasize customer service and be...
by B.Thomas
Thu Dec 30, 2010 2:57 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Kiosk Hardware
Replies: 14
Views: 14577

Re: Kiosk Hardware

I wonder if an I-pad or like device would work for a kiosk. There is no i-OS or Android OpenDental version yet of course.
by B.Thomas
Thu Dec 30, 2010 2:17 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: which version of windows7 to use....
Replies: 19
Views: 15064

Re: which version of windows7 to use....

Is Windows 7 Home adequate for the non-server computers?
by B.Thomas
Thu Dec 30, 2010 2:11 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Credit card merchants
Replies: 4
Views: 5079

Re: Credit card merchants

I use a local vendor run by one of my patients. http://www.maxxmerchantservices.com/ The main reason I switched was that he offered me "pass through" or "interchange plus pricing". This was very enlightening. Most vendors offer "Tier Pricing" which bundles rates. They usually advertise a low 1.6% ra...
by B.Thomas
Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:49 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: New Open Dental Plugin Released
Replies: 49
Views: 67747

Re: New Open Dental Plugin Released

Can a Plugin damage the database files? This one seems rather inert only summing the payment plan numbers and displaying them differently.
by B.Thomas
Mon Dec 27, 2010 7:57 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: New Open Dental Plugin Released
Replies: 49
Views: 67747

Re: New Open Dental Plugin Released

This is a very useful plugin. I hope Jordan incorporates it in the regular program someday.
by B.Thomas
Mon Dec 27, 2010 7:54 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Dental Senders is no longer free
Replies: 22
Views: 18508

Dental Senders is no longer free

It was great while it lasted. It appears 1-800 dentist purchased dental senders a few months back and now requires either $150/ month service fee or for us to become 1-800 dentist clients. I see a value in the service and would like to keep it, however I am going to compare the competitors (demandfo...
by B.Thomas
Fri Dec 24, 2010 9:50 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: OD ideas
Replies: 2
Views: 3559

Re: OD ideas

I think the electronic patient check in is on the request list. I agree that would look slick and modern to new patients.
by B.Thomas
Fri Dec 24, 2010 1:26 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: ? security level for edit payment plan charge
Replies: 5
Views: 5558

Re: ? security level for edit payment plan charge

Wow! You are correct. That is an easy way to make balances look paid when they are not. I need to cross reference the payment plan report ASAP.
by B.Thomas
Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:52 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Kiosk Hardware
Replies: 14
Views: 14577

Kiosk Hardware

What is the preferred hardware setup for the kiosk? Is it a PC with a signature pad or something wireless like a Tablet PC or netbook? I've been working on sheets (Hippa, med hx, registration) and I'm thinking something wireless would be nice for the patients to work on while seated but I'm not sure...
by B.Thomas
Thu Sep 16, 2010 2:29 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Appointment Colors
Replies: 8
Views: 9026

Appointment Colors

Is it possible to have different colors on the Appointment module calendar for specific appointments? By default all appointments for the same provider are the same color. My assistant asked because it would be beneficial to have certain appointments stand out from the rest, particularly new patient...
by B.Thomas
Wed Aug 25, 2010 3:52 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Combined procedures on one appointment
Replies: 2
Views: 3355

Re: Combined procedures on one appointment

Complex indeed!
by B.Thomas
Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:59 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Combined procedures on one appointment
Replies: 2
Views: 3355

Combined procedures on one appointment

I'm not sure if this is a glitch or something we are doing wrong. When scheduling an appointment with more than one procedure, the times allocated for each procedure do not combine. In other words procedure 1 has a time pattern of 20 mintues and procdure 2 has a time pattern of 30 minutes. Instead o...
by B.Thomas
Thu Jul 01, 2010 11:27 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: X-Charge
Replies: 11
Views: 23044

Re: X-Charge

I just wish they accepted debit card transactions and didn't have the three year contract
by B.Thomas
Tue Apr 13, 2010 3:41 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Orthodontic offices using OD
Replies: 12
Views: 20927

Re: Orthodontic offices using OD

I've been using Opendental for my ortho office for about 5 years. I compare it to my colleagues who use specific ortho programs and the differences are small. I call them the "bells and whistles". The major parts of the program are solid; scheduling, financial, charting, images. The additional featu...
by B.Thomas
Wed Feb 24, 2010 1:29 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: OrthoBank or Vanco Service Integration
Replies: 0
Views: 2830

OrthoBank or Vanco Service Integration

I wanted to know if there was much interest in creating a brige for OrthoBank or Vanco services. They offer ACH draft and recurring credit card payments. It helps in offices that use payment plans by automating some of the work. Some Practice Managment software programs integrate diretly where the p...
by B.Thomas
Wed Feb 10, 2010 10:33 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: AGD Patient Alerts; Email, Txt Message service.
Replies: 1
Views: 3044

Re: AGD Patient Alerts; Email, Txt Message service.

http://www.agdpatientalerts.com/Public/Home.aspx

Looks exactly like Dental senders. They use advertising to offset the cost of the service.
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 26, 2010 2:43 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Phasing out backup/restore?
Replies: 35
Views: 25692

Re: Phasing out backup/restore?

Nathan, What do you think of an encrypted drive like this for security? iomega eGo Encrypt Portable 320GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822186153&cm_re=encrypted_drive-_-22-186-153-_-Product It doesn't have the James Bond self destruct mode but can it be hacked by someone? Th...
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 26, 2010 2:32 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Patient registration forms
Replies: 4
Views: 4439

Re: Patient registration forms

Although the patient form fields will all be "input" type fields, they won't really flow into the database yet. We're just making sure they output properly for now.
Out of curosity where will the data from these forms be stored? Are there plans for a separate table in the database?
by B.Thomas
Tue Jan 05, 2010 12:25 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Phasing out backup/restore?
Replies: 35
Views: 25692

Re: Phasing out backup/restore?

Very Cool! We are up to 36 GB with all the photos we take.
by B.Thomas
Mon Dec 28, 2009 6:46 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Phasing out backup/restore?
Replies: 35
Views: 25692

Re: Phasing out backup/restore?

I have the same concern about shutting off MySQL to run a backup. I can do it just fine, but I delegate office backups to my staff. They get a little overwhelmed with the Manage>Services>Stop MySQL> Run Backup> Start MySQL instructions. I get a little nervous about them being in the Manage Services ...
by B.Thomas
Sun Dec 20, 2009 12:42 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Waiting Room Internet
Replies: 12
Views: 10367

Re: Waiting Room Internet

Yep, I just did that. He said what I suspected. You can't 100% protect a shared internet connection. It can be hacked. He said he would never expose patient medical files to such a risk.
by B.Thomas
Sat Dec 19, 2009 6:35 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Waiting Room Internet
Replies: 12
Views: 10367

Re: Waiting Room Internet

Hmmm, I will need to research this more. I think the only guaranteed way to separate the office network from the public one is to have 2 separate cable modems from my ISP. Of course I'm sure they will charge more. Any other sharing of a single internet connection will still leave a network connectio...
by B.Thomas
Tue Dec 08, 2009 12:06 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Search by email Address
Replies: 5
Views: 5527

Search by email Address

Is there any way to look up a patient by their email address? It has come to my attention that when we send out mass emails some are rejected because of an invalid email address. Either we entered it wrong or the account has been cancelled. In either case, the patient's name doesn't show on the retu...
by B.Thomas
Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:37 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Planned Appointments
Replies: 5
Views: 5389

Re: Planned Appointments

In the clinic we only use the apt module and chart module. The routine is; Click on the patient in the apt module Switch to chart module Fill in the notes Set the planned apt We are an ortho office so we move pretty quickly and do this 40-50 times a day. We leave the planned appointment tab open all...
by B.Thomas
Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:34 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Planned Appointments
Replies: 5
Views: 5389

Re: Planned Appointments

If you move planned appointments to the TP module will you still keep a tab showing the planned appointments in the chart module? That is very useful since in the clinic we mostly use the chart module and clicking back and forth would just be an extra step.
by B.Thomas
Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:27 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Number one on google today
Replies: 6
Views: 6349

Re: Number one on google today

That's Awesome!!!
by B.Thomas
Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:24 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Business Process: Thank You for your Referral
Replies: 12
Views: 11382

Re: Business Process: Thank You for your Referral

I agree that automation of processes is great. This is the main advantage computers have over people; they don't make mistakes and they work more efficiently. From a programmers point of view it would be difficult to satisfy everyone's specific customizations, but most offices have the same general ...
by B.Thomas
Mon Nov 23, 2009 7:58 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Waiting Room Internet
Replies: 12
Views: 10367

Re: Waiting Room Internet

Thanks for your input. I will look into what a subnet mask is. I was looking more for a hardware solution. Some way of splitting the internet signal prior to sending it to the router and network switch.
by B.Thomas
Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:49 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Waiting Room Internet
Replies: 12
Views: 10367

Waiting Room Internet

This question is indirectly related to Opendental but one many users may have. I would like to offer wireless internet and maybe even mount a Netbook in the waiting room for patients to use while waiting. My primary concern is how to completely separate the internet connection from my Local Network....
by B.Thomas
Thu Nov 12, 2009 4:10 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Change of Primary Insurance
Replies: 2
Views: 3257

Change of Primary Insurance

How should we handle electronic claims when the patient changes their primary insurance midway through treatment? OD will not allow us to file another primary claim even though we changed the insurance company's name in the family module. OD states "Not allowed to send a procedure to the same insura...
by B.Thomas
Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:38 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Payment Plans w/ guarantor outside the family
Replies: 1
Views: 2586

Payment Plans w/ guarantor outside the family

I found a glitch that is small and probably infrequent. When a gurantor for a payment plan is outside the family, the payment plans window does not show the paid amount. Let me give you an example. Child Jane is listed under Mrs. Jones family with Mrs. Jones being her guarantor. Mrs. Jones pays half...
by B.Thomas
Tue Aug 11, 2009 1:07 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: www.opendental.com
Replies: 7
Views: 6707

Re: www.opendental.com

Congratulations on winning that battle. It's surprising to read that the respondant was a dentist and was not more ethical about giving up the domain he never used. Glad to see justice was served.
by B.Thomas
Mon Aug 10, 2009 2:41 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Firewall Problem
Replies: 5
Views: 5474

Re: Firewall Problem

What is the most secure setup? DSL Modem>Router>Server (using Windows Firewall)>LAN I'm a little leary of depending on Windows Firewall since windows is such a frequent target for attack. Would it be better to connect the internet to a computer other than the server and add a different firewall like...
by B.Thomas
Thu May 21, 2009 8:16 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Future versions
Replies: 5
Views: 5771

Re: Future versions

Jordan,

Does #3 on your future plans mean customizable New Patient exams forms, Medical Hx, and fields that will be saved in the patient's database?

If so, yay! Paperless! :D
by B.Thomas
Thu May 21, 2009 7:54 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: letter merge vs sheets
Replies: 7
Views: 6603

Re: letter merge vs sheets

The one problem I have with sheets and letters is the lack of customizable fields. My goal is to enter information from the Medical History and Clinical Exam into the patient's database. Then be able to make customized letters using this data as merge fields. I like how Auto Notes allows prompted in...
by B.Thomas
Mon May 18, 2009 10:04 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: dental senders integration
Replies: 4
Views: 5904

Re: dental senders integration

We've been using it for about a month now and I really like the surveys as well. What's interesting is that our patient's never discuss the dental part of their treatment in the surveys. They mostly dicuss the staff's friendlyness or attitudes. It seems like the major part of the patient's perceptio...
by B.Thomas
Mon May 18, 2009 9:57 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Payment Plans
Replies: 8
Views: 8529

Re: Payment Plans

Our patients are still having confusion with the fact that the Family Aging and Estimated Balance doesn't show what is due with the payment plan.
by B.Thomas
Tue May 12, 2009 11:51 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: eClinicalWorks
Replies: 4
Views: 5913

eClinicalWorks

What's the word on this service? I noticed a new bridge in 6.5 and wondered if anyone had used it or what services they provide.
by B.Thomas
Wed Apr 29, 2009 12:23 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: can i connect to an opendental database remotely via IP?
Replies: 17
Views: 26248

Re: can i connect to an opendental database remotely via IP?

Has anyone had success using a laptop as the server for offices with mutiple locations?
by B.Thomas
Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:10 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Statements with payment plans
Replies: 4
Views: 4584

Re: Statements with payment plans

Yes, short and simple is better. What is also confusing is when the payment plan for the child is past due however the balance for the guarantor is 0. The other thing is too many lines on the statement due to listing appointments with no charges.

What's this about a major overhaul?
by B.Thomas
Fri Mar 13, 2009 6:48 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Payment Plan Report
Replies: 4
Views: 5135

Re: Payment Plan Report

Thanks Mifa. I tiried that but unfortunately, I'm not very good at modifying user queries and keep getting errors. Do you mind posting your modified query?
by B.Thomas
Fri Mar 13, 2009 5:44 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Braces
Replies: 7
Views: 6881

Re: Braces

How do you draw the braces and wires? When I try that it looks like a chicken was scratching at the computer screen : )
by B.Thomas
Wed Mar 04, 2009 12:36 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Payment Plan Report
Replies: 4
Views: 5135

Payment Plan Report

For the payment plan report under monthly reports, is there any way to eliminate negative and 0 balances like an aging report? This would minimize our 29 page report to 1-2 pages.

Maybe a user Query?

Thanks,
by B.Thomas
Tue Nov 11, 2008 2:07 pm
Forum: Developers
Topic: Pt arrived and waiting
Replies: 4
Views: 7758

Re: Pt arrived and waiting

I just discovered this feature today and really like it. My front office is elated actually. Will there be a way to tie in the patient check in terminal with the Pt arrived feature?

Thanks,
by B.Thomas
Tue Jun 03, 2008 12:46 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Statements for Payment Plan Patients
Replies: 6
Views: 6275

Re: Statements for Payment Plan Patients

Jordan, About my original question, when printing a statment from the gurantor's account it only has one line for "Payment Plan" showing the total amount of payments but not each payment and their date. The patient's want to see this to say they paid x amount on x date. Also, all the statements are ...
by B.Thomas
Wed May 21, 2008 1:49 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: Bad Math on the New Payment Plan Window
Replies: 3
Views: 5563

Bad Math on the New Payment Plan Window

On our recent conversion to 5.6.25 we are finding incorrect calculations on the payment plan window in the account module. It seems on payment plans where a payment is split, the full amount is being applied to the first split only. Interestingly when we double click and open the payment plan the ca...
by B.Thomas
Tue May 20, 2008 4:22 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Statements for Payment Plan Patients
Replies: 6
Views: 6275

Statements for Payment Plan Patients

We just upgraded to Vers 5.6.25 and my staff noticed that the Statements no longer show payments credited to the payment plans. Is this by design? I told them to print the payment plan instead to show payments made. That's OK for walkout statements but will be tedious for monthly billing. What sugge...
by B.Thomas
Tue May 20, 2008 3:54 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: New Pediatric Feature
Replies: 7
Views: 7677

Re: New Pediatric Feature

Looks Good! We'll use it a lot for sure.

Thanks,
by B.Thomas
Tue Apr 08, 2008 12:59 pm
Forum: Developers
Topic: Payment Plans
Replies: 20
Views: 17123

Re: Payment Plans

Regarding using payment plans for insurance, how difficult would it be to have insurance payments post in the payment plan window with the new and improved payment plans? Or is it totally impossible? Having to manually delete each payment as it is received is extraneous work.

Thanks,
by B.Thomas
Wed Apr 02, 2008 1:25 pm
Forum: Developers
Topic: Payment Plans
Replies: 20
Views: 17123

Re: Payment Plans

I came across another glitch today. When a payment plan has a gurantor from a differenet family (eg Divoriced dad), the new payment plan box does not include payments that have been paid on the patient's account screen. However, when switching to the gurantor's account page, the payment plan box and...
by B.Thomas
Tue Apr 01, 2008 3:00 pm
Forum: Developers
Topic: Payment Plans
Replies: 20
Views: 17123

Re: Payment Plans

One more problem we discovered which is a little more specific. When we use payment plans to track insurance payments, the insurance checks do not post to the insurance payment plan. For example, we receive an insurance check and we post it to the insurance claim ("Create Check" button), but the amo...
by B.Thomas
Mon Mar 31, 2008 2:56 pm
Forum: Developers
Topic: Payment Plans
Replies: 20
Views: 17123

Re: Payment Plans

I'm glad you already made the change of having the "payment plan due" amount also show up on the "balance" section above. With the big red font that is what the user's eyes are drawn too and they may miss the payment plan section below. Will the payment plan amounts also show up on the aging? I'm to...
by B.Thomas
Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:15 pm
Forum: Developers
Topic: Payment Plans
Replies: 20
Views: 17123

Re: Payment Plans

I have to say the changes to the payment plan are excellent. Much easier to understand and use. Surprisingly the new math discovered many errors. We were using various adjustments to make the accounts balance when there was a discrepancy from the child to the guarantor. This all showed up on the agi...
by B.Thomas
Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:12 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Display Fields in Account Module
Replies: 1
Views: 2906

Display Fields in Account Module

Would it be difficult to ad the ability to alter display fields in the account module like there is in the chart module? I would like the ability not to show lines with zero balances like broken appointments and such.

Thanks,
by B.Thomas
Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:07 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Dymo Label Printer margins
Replies: 11
Views: 9894

Dymo Label Printer margins

I never got around to mentioning it before but since we've been using Vers 5.5 the margins of the chart and radiograph labels that are sent to the Dymo Label printer are about 2 mm too far to the left cutting out the first 1 or 2 letters of the patient's name. Is there a way to adjust for this in th...
by B.Thomas
Tue Feb 05, 2008 10:22 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Backup in 5.5.9
Replies: 3
Views: 4649

After I complete the restore process and then try to restart the program I get the following errors "Incorrect information in file opendental\computerpref.frm" then "Incorrect information in file opendental\provider.frm" then "Incorrect information in file opendental\patient.frm" then "Incorrect inf...
by B.Thomas
Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:53 am
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Backup in 5.5.9
Replies: 3
Views: 4649

Backup in 5.5.9

You know how you say to always check your backups at home to make sure they are working correctly. Well I keep getting an error when trying to restore form version 5.5.9 Is anyone else having this problem or is it just my build See the end of this message for details on invoking just-in-time (JIT) d...
by B.Thomas
Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:23 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Payment plan overhaul
Replies: 7
Views: 7813

Well since you are working on this I asked my business manager what problems she has with payment plans and what could be improved. Here is what I got keep in mind we have an ortho office and have hundreds of payment plans going: 1. Patients want to know what the remaining balance to be paid is. (Ma...
by B.Thomas
Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:07 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Billing Statements to be Overhauled
Replies: 44
Views: 33324

Out of curiosity what are the 3 columns? My manager and I were discussing it and we felt the only 3 columns needed are Balance, Patient paid and insurance paid amounts. I'm guessing the difficulty is in combining the math from the other columns. Feel free to post the code in the advanced forum and m...
by B.Thomas
Wed Jan 23, 2008 7:20 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: E-mail Statements
Replies: 0
Views: 2780

E-mail Statements

I like the new feature allowing us to email statments via a pdf form. Very Cool! Now will there eventually be a way to send the emails directly from the billing section? That would cut down on postage for sure.
by B.Thomas
Wed Jan 23, 2008 4:26 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Billing Statements to be Overhauled
Replies: 44
Views: 33324

I'm liking many of these suggestions. I think the main thing is to critically look at every bit of information on a "Standard" statment and eliminate what is not Absolutely Neccessary for the patients to understand what they are paying for. Then maybe have an "Advanced" button where the user can che...
by B.Thomas
Tue Dec 04, 2007 1:35 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Bar on small box at corner of appt
Replies: 15
Views: 16876

Just out of curiosity, why is it helpful to have the little I bar indicate on the schedule that the patient has insurance?

Wouldn't it be more useful to have something indicating an account is past due?
by B.Thomas
Tue Dec 04, 2007 1:10 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Infra Red Beam of appointment
Replies: 13
Views: 15739

I agree. Email is the least costly route and many cell phones receive email as well.
by B.Thomas
Tue Nov 20, 2007 3:34 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Preferred Assistant
Replies: 0
Views: 2943

Preferred Assistant

Is it possible to assign a preferred assistant to a patient?

I know it is possible to select an assistant for a specific appointment but is it possible to assign one assistant for all apoointments, possibly from the family module?

Thanks,
by B.Thomas
Tue Nov 20, 2007 3:24 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: Infra Red Beam of appointment
Replies: 13
Views: 15739

How about the ability to automatically send a text message or email message from the appointment module?

Maybe incoporporate it as a feature along with the confirmation section?
by B.Thomas
Thu Nov 08, 2007 5:53 pm
Forum: Main Forum
Topic: IO Camera - Suggestions
Replies: 19
Views: 19659

Nice Work!
by B.Thomas
Tue Nov 06, 2007 4:14 pm
Forum: Advanced Topics
Topic: Can I hide Quick Buttons?
Replies: 6
Views: 6736

Another vote for hiding them or making them customizable