Every so often we hear the same story.
A client sees what looks like a great deal at a big box or consumer electronics store, buys the computer, sets it up, and then discovers their EMR or other clinical software will not run on it at all. The device is not compatible, it has to be returned, and a lot of time and effort have been wasted that we could have helped them avoid.
We want to make sure that never happens to you. Our goal is to protect your practice and your budget, and to make it easy to reach out to us for advice before you buy anything new.
Why that bargain can end up costing more
Many devices on special at big box and consumer electronics stores are designed for home use. They can look like a smart way to save money, but in a health care environment the real cost often shows up later.
- Built for home, not for daily work use
Consumer systems often use lighter materials and lower grade components. In a healthcare practice environment that runs all day they are more likely to overheat, fail sooner, and need replacement earlier, which means more downtime and more spend over time.
- Slower performance in the real world
A machine that feels fine for browsing at home can struggle once you add EMR, imaging, scanners, antivirus, and other clinical tools. Slow logins and lag during visits add up to lost appointments, overtime, and frustrated staff, which is money out of the practice.
- Shorter warranty and limited service
Retail devices usually come with basic return policies and short warranties. Business grade systems include longer coverage and better service options, which reduces the cost and stress when something breaks in the middle of a clinic day.
- Consumer Operating System Installed
Many of these systems ship with Windows Home. It is meant for personal use, not for a regulated health care environment. Most EMR and other health care specific applications are designed and tested for Windows Pro, and many vendors do not support Windows Home at all. Upgrading after the fact and fixing missing security features adds time, cost, and risk that can easily wipe out any saving at the cash register.
- Weaker security than business devices
Business grade computers from vendors such as Dell include stronger security as standard, for example dedicated chips to protect credentials, firmware verification like SafeBIOS, and integrated tools such as SafeGuard and Response that help block malware and advanced attacks. Consumer devices usually do not include this full stack of hardware and firmware protection, which leaves a clinic more exposed than it needs to be, and even a single security incident can cost far more in disruption, lost time, and recovery work than any savings from a bargain device.
Why calling us first will save you time and money
When you see what looks like a cheaper price on any computer, printer, network device, or other piece of equipment, your first step should be a quick call or email to us. We are on your side and we want you to feel comfortable asking for our help before you spend a dollar.
If you spot a lower price
- Send us the link, quote, or photo of the label
- We confirm whether it will work with your EMR and other clinical tools
- We check that it meets performance, warranty, and security requirements
- We compare the full cost and often can match or beat the price with proper business grade equipment
If we cannot beat the price, we can still arrange and place the order for you at no additional cost, set it up correctly, and bring it under full support. You get the deal you found, plus the assurance that the device is the right fit and will not cause problems later.
In the end we are here to take the headache of IT off your plate. One short conversation before you buy is usually all it takes to avoid incompatible devices, returns, security issues, and surprise costs.