Veterinary Software Key Terms

Know the terms you need to navigate veterinary practice management software

Veterinary software is a specific type of practice management software that helps vets keep electronic medical records and consolidate information. While electronic medical records have been in use for several years, practice management software expands the software capabilities well beyond record keeping. Practice management software can be used to transfer notes from the field to a central database, perform inventory, keep track of communication files and schedule appointments. In order to use veterinary software, however, it is important to be comfortable with the key terms for its many uses and functions.

 

Practice management software

Practice management software (PMS) is used by a range of medical fields, most often physicians' and veterinarians' private practices, to manage administrative and scheduling tasks. PMS can also be used to integrate electronic medical records (EMRs), or the electronic versions of patient record charts that are commonly kept in paper form.
Try: Binary Spectrum, a software developer, offers a definition of practice management software and differentiates it from electronic medical records.

Tablet PC

A tablet PC is commonly used in conjunction with software programs to make the most of software features, and can be taken to patient visits to record field notes. Tablet PCs allow users to write using a stylus, or virtual pen, to record handwritten notes and signatures, and can connect with central databases for bringing patient information to the field and sending data back to the office.
Try: Wise Geek offers a concise definition of and explains some functions and features of a tablet PC.

SOAP

A term that many medical professionals are familiar with is the SOAP diagnostic process, which involves four steps: subjective, objective, assessment and plan. Many veterinary software programs provide a function for taking SOAP notes, so that your diagnoses can be organized in a simple, understandable way.
Try: Get a more extensive definition of the SOAP note process from Medical Assistant.

PACS

PACS stands for picture archiving and communications system, and refers to computer programs used to store and analyze medical images electronically. Many veterinary software programs include PACS functions that allow vets to display images such as x-rays, as well as utilize improved analysis and diagnostic tools with the electronic imaging technology.
Try: Read a definition of PACS in an abstract published by the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association at PubMed Central.

Scheduler

Most veterinary software programs include a scheduler, also known as appointment, patient or project scheduling software. A scheduler function allows you to electronically input, track and manage appointments, and one of the most commonly used features is sending out automated patient reminders using your electronic scheduler's access to patient contact data and records.
Try: Get a concise definition of the functions of an electronic scheduler from TechTarget.

Open source software

A number of veterinary software programs is open source software, or software that is free to users and that provides open access to its source code, allowing anyone with programming knowledge to alter or update the program. Usually, open source software programs for veterinary use choose one or two of the functions of complete management software programs for purchase, such as a PACS or scheduler.
Try: Opensource.org offers a complete and annotated definition of open source software.

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