Cost-Justification Of Computers In General Practice In Canada

In General Practice, computers might assist clinical decision-making, perform business procedures, and support health care delivery research. Before being used, however, computers first must be economically justifiable. The cost of computer systems is known. One can estimate their potential dollar benefit in primary care. Computer technology was therefore assessed for its potential to save money in a model General Practice. Information processing needs were noted, functional specifications were developed, and typical costs for systems appropriate to practices of varying size were calculated. Computers might improve primary care in many ways, but savings accrue only from support of billing and accounting. Savings might equal or exceed the cost of a computer system in groups of practitioners, optimally composed of between six and eight doctors. If computers could pay for themselves by performing essential business functions, they would then be readily available for other purposes in General Practice.