Medical Billing Forum

General Category => General Questions => : margemib October 08, 2009, 08:27:06 PM

: Laptops
: margemib October 08, 2009, 08:27:06 PM
What do you think about laptops versus desktops in the Medical billing buisness world?
What is best for the office?
margemib ::)
: Re: Laptops
: Michele October 08, 2009, 08:52:56 PM
There is no right or wrong, it really is a personal decision - what the person refers.  I prefer a desktop for my office, but I love my laptop for traveling.  I do have one employee who prefers using a laptop at the office.  It also depends on your software and the requirements.

Michele
: Re: Laptops
: margemib October 08, 2009, 09:01:44 PM
do you think laptops are as reliable as a desktops?
margemib  ???
: Re: Laptops
: Pay_My_Claims October 08, 2009, 11:51:03 PM
I HATE LAPTOPS!!!

: Re: Laptops
: melissa_2004 October 09, 2009, 11:12:04 AM
I'm middle of the road.  I like my laptop because I'm not married to my office if I need to work somewhere else but I always hook up a keyboard and mouse to it because I don't like the way the keys on laptops feel.  My husband calls my laptop a desktop with an extra keyboard.   :)
: Re: Laptops
: PMRNC October 09, 2009, 11:46:39 AM
I use my laptop for travel too, HOWEVER if you have PHI on it, it's NOT a good idea, laptops get stolen, lost, etc. What I do is use a remote access service and make a secure connection to my desktop via LogMeIn when I'm traveling. So if my laptop were stolen NO PHI and NONE of my work is on there at all. My login credentials are NEVER saved on the laptop so if it were stolen they would not be able to access my remote access. I also change my logins via my desktop several times a month.   I'd NEVER risk my work on a laptop... ever.
: Re: Laptops
: margemib October 09, 2009, 11:55:10 AM
Great advice!
margemib  ;)
: Re: Laptops
: Michele October 09, 2009, 02:13:22 PM
I actually don't keep any PHI on my laptop, I use it to remotely access my work desktop.  Great point though.  Many don't consider that.  I would only use a laptop for billing if it was a web based program, or to access a secure computer. 

I also hook up a mouse and keyboard.  My new laptop has a number pad too though, so I can get away without the keyboard better.

Michele
: Re: Laptops
: Pay_My_Claims October 09, 2009, 02:25:15 PM
yes I have to attach them as well because I have a medical condition called FATFINGERITIS, and it prevents me from using those flaky keyboards on laptops.

I do agree and I have one just for travel and access to my home pc or my software (web based hooooooray)
: Re: Laptops
: PMRNC October 09, 2009, 02:32:16 PM
I should clarify even further. I have NO applications on my laptop..  I "connect" to the internet via the remote access to my desktop for EVERYTHING.. even internet. For example, if I check my email, I go through the secure log in connection, connect to my computer and open my outlook directly from my laptop so there is NO change of putting anything on the laptop. I don't even have Outlook installed on my laptop, every thing I do is via remote access, even if I'm sitting on my couch in the next room :)  Same goes if I am accessing my clients databases, NOTHING is stored or even viewed in any browser on the laptop.Same applies if I'm going on the web, it's via my desktop, secure login and then I always log off the desktop before logging out of the remote access. Basically my laptop serves as a remote MONITOR only.
: Re: Laptops
: margemib October 09, 2009, 03:29:40 PM
Linda,
what if the laptop is more comfortable to use but never leaves the office?
margemib
: Re: Laptops
: PMRNC October 09, 2009, 03:51:51 PM
I can only state my own preference.. it's much easier for someone to lift/steal laptop than the desktop.. course this is just my being over cautious. Also I found that if I didn't PLAN to remove the laptop it was too much of a temptation to install applications, put clients info on and PHI, etc.. and then later in a hurry grab it and go.. I prefer just to use the laptop like another set of eyes into my PC. Just my preference.
: Re: Laptops
: margemib October 09, 2009, 04:15:12 PM
Your right Linda, thanks again!
margemib
: Re: Laptops
: NuBiker October 30, 2009, 03:50:40 AM
I use a Toshiba laptop at the office. It has a 17" screen. I use a USB fullsize keyboard, and a USB mouse with it. I like a laptop because at the end of the day, I can lock it up in a cabinet.
During working hours, it is cabled to the desk so that no one can come in and walk away with it.
: Re: Laptops
: margemib October 30, 2009, 12:12:37 PM
Wow what a good idea about locking it up!
margemib
: Re: Laptops
: NuBiker October 30, 2009, 03:59:38 PM
Hi Marge - yep - these days you cannot be too careful when it comes to security.
My wife was at a seminar a few months ago. The instructer was using a laptop to do a Powerpoint presentation. During a coffee break, someone walked off with the computer. That was the end of the seminar!!!
Plus, you need to consider HIPPA rules, everything needs to be locked down when you are away from your office.
Best Regards,
Nu