Using iConfiDent with DecisionBase

With the latest release of iConfiDent we have added the ability to integrate with the popular checklist driven reporting tool DecisionBase. The folks at DecisionBase where kind enough to work with us to come up with a powerful bridge between the two systems.

In this post I describe how to setup the integration and a detailed description of how to use it. I hope you agree with me that it very straight forward to get going but at the same time offers a valuable time saving way of incorporating iConfiDent into your practice work-flow

Update
The folks a DecisionBase have made a short instructional video that is also very helpful.

Setup

Set-up only takes a minute or two. In DecisionBase open up the Applications Manager from the the Applications menu. Click on “New Application” and in the name field type “iConfident”.
Click the radio button marked “Website” and place the following url in the field.

https://www1.iconfident.com/i/fc.htm?un=username&pw=password&f=[PatientFirstName]&l=[PatientLastName]&d=[PatientBirthday]

Replace username and password with your iConfiDent username and password.

Check the “Apply to Practice” option if you wish everyone in the practice to be able to launch iConfident. Click the “Save” button.



Thats it!! Now you are ready to launch iConfiDent from DecisionBase.

Launching iConfiDent

Once setup you can navigate to 'Applications' / iConfident to automatically open the browser at iConfident.



iConfiDent will attempt to match a patient case based on the patients name and DOB (date of birth).
Depending on the type of match it find iConfiDent will display one of 4 options to you.

1. Multiple Patient Matches

2. Multiple Partial Matches - the name matches but the DOB does not.

3. No Matching case is found

4. The patient name and DOB match exactly

Find out more about DecisionBase

New Software Release

We are pleased to announce a new software release for May 2012. We have added two major new features to save you time and speed up you work flow.

We're Integrating iConfiDent Into Your Practice Management System

If you're an OMS Vision or DecisionBase user, you can now create, edit, view and archive your iConfiDent treatment cases -- right from your practice management system.

We've Simplified the Process for Sharing Cases

Now you can quickly share your treatment plans with referrals and specialists -- whether they use iConfiDent or if they just want to share files.

Practice Management Integration

We're excited to offer this feature to OMS Vision and DecisionBase users, with more integrations coming soon. Now you can access iConfiDent directly from your patient records, so it's even simpler to make iConfiDent a part of your practice workflow.

• Access iConfiDent directly from DecisionBase or OMSVision software -- no second login. 
• No more searching for cases in iConfident; just one click from your practice management software will bring up your iConfiDent case. 
• With OMSVision you can easily archive PDF versions of your iConfident cases in the OMS Vision Document Center. 
• Works with OMSVision "Implant Center".

Simpler Case Sharing

We recognize that getting your referrals, specialists and professional partners on-board with iConfiDent is the best way to get the most out of our platform. So we've just made it even easier to share cases and sign-up your professional peers:

• Easy access for both existing and new iConfiDent users -- no need to join or register 
• Simple sign-up for invited users places them directly in cases you have shared, significantly improving adoption 
• New features to enhance e-mail communication with your new sign-ups

A new ITI member

A big congratulations to one of our co-founders Karoline Hochstrat. She has been accepted as a Member of the ITI (International Team of Implantology). Karoline is a German Master Dental Technician with more then 25 years of experience. One of the core assets of the ITI is the community spirit of the ITI network - exchange knowledge with dedicated clinicians and researchers in implant dentistry and dental tissue regeneration. We are sure that Karoline will complement this group with her experience and her creative thinking.

Why don't dentists order restorative implant parts online?

I am curious on why many dentists do not order restorative components online. Many of the implant manufacturers offer either discounted rates or free shipping, however that does not seem to be enough. Is it the confusion of the parts needed, poor e-commerce sites with the implant manufacturer, they don't do enough implant cases. Curious on what others thought about online restorative implant ordering, and why it is not used.

Putting Care Back In Your Practice

Here is a terrific article written by Lori Bauer, Practice Development Consultant for Nobel Biocare.

..."Today, if you don’t take care of your patients, somebody is waiting, ready and willing to do it. Your competitive advantage in this Change Environment is not just the quality of your products and services. The real competitive edge you have is how you treat your patients." Please click here to view more

Fantastic editorial from Dr. Brian T. Young

Here is a wonderful editorial by Dr. Brian T Young, DDS Periodontists from the Implant Practice Journal about embracing your implant practice during this economic climate.

Dental implant practice in a struggling economy

...The common reaction is to retract and cease investing into the business as a method conserve and protect. However, if we can place a renewed focus on efficiency, relationships, and effective purchasing, the implantfocused practice will be in an excellent position when the economy rebounds.. Click here to view more.

Online communication with the treatment team

On line communication in the dental industry to some is a 4 letter word - "change". All kidding aside communication is a huge component of any successful business. The ability to communicate 24/7 via the Internet and mobile allows you to have a more flexible schedule because you can access information at anytime from anywhere you are connected. Often times the lab, doctor, or the other office is in surgery all day, on vacation, or the person you communicate with is out sick. By having quick and easy access to information will allow you to be more efficient and productive with your treatment team.

Some feel why do I need to change the way I communicate? "Why don't we just keep faxing - it's more familiar. I receive a hard copy and it's how my office communicates", or "why do I have to learn something new". The problem with this view is the next generation expects to be on the Internet, they look at the old way to communicate via faxes and US Postal Mail, and say "why would I work that way. It is more expensive, reaches less people, and isn't as flexible".

The question I am asking is how are you changing the way your office communicates not only with your patients but also referring doctors and dental labs. Do the assistants and front office play a larger role then they did 5 years ago. What types of Internet tools and strategies are you implementing.

Next blog - How do you communicate 3D technology patient info with your treatment team.