*Sorry about the format, only got 300 lines. Our organization was thinking
of making the switch from Futura to Opie and I asked the listserve if
anyone had any experience with this. My concerns were as follows; Have
people who switched regretted it, Is the switch as easy as Opie would have
me believe, and Finally how do we transfer the 2+ years of data we have
in Futura to Opie. I want to make a few things clear prior to putting my
two cents out for all the world to read; I am a resident and have only
used Futura while working in O and P and although I have used and learned
several complicated software systems in the past I am by no means an expert
when it comes to O and P management software. My experience with Futura
is limited to that of a practitioner (not an admin, or business manager).
I have never used Opie and have just seen a brief demo and have discussed
it with some users in my area. So what do I really like about Futura?
Its stable and we have never had a major problem with the software not
working or being buggy. Futura hosts the software so we are not responsible
for software updates, backing up or patient files, system maintenance or
hardware. It’s easy to get documents and attachments into Futura, they
can be e-mailed (photos) from my phone directly to the patient file. What
Futura does but I wish it did better? Form management (measurement forms),
Patient notes, clunky user interface, no user training (that you don’t have
to pay for), and help files. In general, I would bet that I am not
utilizing the Futura program to its potential. Some of that is just me not
taking the time to figure it out, but a lot of it is the clunky interface
poor help files. What are my major complaints? Without running a report,
there is no way to tell what projects or patients need my attention or to
remind me to follow up with old patients. I wish I could generate letters
to be sent to referral sources. The materials management software, is for
me, unusable and even if I could use it there does not seem to be a way to
link materials, to patient files. So there is no SIMPLE way to find out
what liner, its serial number, and when I provided it to a specific
patient. When I originally posted the question, I got a response from Opie
about how easy the whole process would be, however based on the posts not
so sure that’s true. I also got a response and a phone call from Futura,
wanting to help, and I believe they do want us to be happy. If Futura or
Opie sends me information that corrects something I got wrong or any of the
responses got wrong, I will be sure to post it. My general impression are
well…. Mixed. Based on the posts and my own impression, I THINK I would
like Opie better and the responses were very supportive of Opie. However, I
don’t think we are going to migrate for two main reasons. First is the
cost, our office has already invested in Futura, and the migration would be
a second HUGE investment, in software, hardware (or hosting charges) and
man hours. Second is that I do not think the migration of data would be
easy. The posts suggest that Futura, does not make it easy to get your
data out and that the process of getting that data into Opie is largely the
responsibility of the end user and is very time consuming. So a quick
question about software and data management. Futura hosts the software and
data which is nice to not have to take that on… a big plus to
Futura, BUT what happens to your data if something happens to Futura???In
general the posts favored Opie over Futura but I feel people are more
likely to post if they want to complain. So here are the most constructive
replies (of 31) and to start is a post I found useful from a user that was
in process of deciding what software program to invest in. *
http://www.oandp.com/oandp-l/message.asp?frmMessageId=61DAB73A-0877-4D7A-A0D9-B35B6F212642
1.
*I used Futura for 12 years. In January of 2012 I switched jobs and was
introduced to OPIE. I knew Futura like the back of my hand and I loved it.
Or so I thought. Now that I have been using OPIE for almost 2 years, I see
all of the deficiencies that were present in Futura. It will be a HUGE
change for your staff and there will definitely be growing pains when you
switch but it is worth it. With that being said, from a financial
standpoint, we still have our Futura software. There are patient’s who have
balances and receive their monthly statement and when you change to OPIE,
OPIE starts fresh. You do not roll over your transactions or claims into
OPIE. You can import your patient information, physician listing, etc. but
not billing. OPIE requires much more practitioner involvement that Futura
did and there was resistance on our practitioner end and sometimes there
still is but that is part of the growing pains I was referred to earlier.
We did have OPIE send someone to our office to train us for a few days.That
does add to the expense but it was worth every penny. The hands on training
was priceless. I would recommend making the change during a time that you
know is typically slow for your business. From my 15 years of experience
that is usually the first of the year when patient’s have new deductibles
to meet, etc. There is never going to be a perfect time to switch in terms
of patient load and keeping the day to day business running but in the long
run, making the change it worth it.*
2.
*We switched from a different system to OPIE. OPIE techs were able to
convert some of the information to OPIE files, but not all. Also all of
our fee schedules, etc.. not to bad a process.*
3.
*After using both Opie and Futura, I think you will love Opie. Not sure
how complicated the process will be, but it will be more than worth any
hassles to have Opie. And also, the customer service with Opie is
outstanding!! Good Luck!*
4.
*I have been with Futura since it’s inception. Also thinking about
finding better user friendly software for certain things such inventory
control. Futura does have that option but is a nightmare to implement.
Understand OPIE is much simpler. If u wouldn’t mind keeping me in the loop
with any pertinent info regarding this I sure would appreciate it*
5.
*Don’t think, do it. Don’t delay in “tearing off the bandaid”… Different
animals Futura and OPIE. I used Futura for 15 yrs, OPIE for 4. Moving to
OPIE best decision, hands down. Happy to help with specifics if you want to
contact me. Processes are tough and will make your practice better.
Feasibility is up to you, but economically it’s worthwhile*
6.
*Do it! the water is fine! There is a cost, but the benefit is
overwhelming. It is a lot of work invested in the front end, but it will
end up saving your office in the long run. I just fired someone because he
refused to keep track of stuff. Be really strict with staff, bring in a
temp to slow down the burden at first. I mean, you have to enter all of
your doctors, all of your locations, templates for L-codes, visits, all
that stuff. But once you do, you will be completely glad that you did. This
won’t allow you to be lazy. This will allow a small business owner to
invest in developing something that will look better than Hanger’s stuff.
Good luck!*
7.
*Huge process but so well worth it. Used futura for 5 years. Jan 2013
switched to OPIE. 3 months intense training then switched over to full
Opie use. Had trouble with iPhone/iPad setup but terrific to use. I
previously had Android phone and tablet. Wish I stayed with droid. Droid
has been active for long time whereas iPhone/iPad are new to OPIE. DO boot
camp. Just do it. Plus tons of great training videos on website. Study them
all All your employees must fully immerse and study and fully COMMITT to
OPIE. we were somewhat lackadaisical and so it took longer*
8.
*Good move. I made that move several years ago and never looked back. My
staff was very appreciative as well. Our files in Futura were corrupted so
we opted to run both programs for a year concurrently since we housed our
own servers. We set a date and entered every new patient in OPIE, and also
converted every patient returning for adjustments or new devices to OPIE by
scanning in their old records. We identified one new person (without any
biases) to perform the conversions of the old charts that management
prioritized. (Any charts older than 8 years, deceased patients etc. were
destroyed.) At the end of the year we had about 325 charts that still
needed to be converted. We began with almost 10, 000 charts! We had a party
to lay Futura to rest!! Now if your Futura files are not corrupted, OPIE
may be able to convert them for you for a fee. You would have to weigh the
cost of this against the labor (and emotional costs) of doing it
yourselves. Good luck and welcome to the OPIE family.*
9.
We are a family practice in NE Oklahoma with 13 employees. We made the
switch over two years ago. What we like: It is comprehensive. Reports,
billing, scheduling are all able to be tracked better. It also has improved
our accounting to be more compatable with quickbooks. It also makes us look
very professional. Notes are more conformed and readable. Also, templates
are able to be used for coding/notes which helps speed things up again.
What we don’t like: It has to this day doubled the time for practitioners
need for documentation. has also cost more time with our office as it is
more comprehensive.
The ordering/inventory software is not feasable…it really is terrible.
Opie customer service will not make any changes to the software interface
or use. They are nice on the phone but havent been good about making the
software more usable over the last 2 1/2 years. They charge us to train our
staff at expensive and distant locations.
My advise: sales tactic is to sell all at once with a large initial
investment on your part. Try to use the software for about a month with as
little investment on your part as possible. It takes about this long to
really know how it works. If you do this, I have a feeling that you opt out
at this point. They really need to make some improvements to their software
and team before it will really be an excellent software. I would wait…
build the forms you have an organization that you have.
