Can computerized reminder systems have an impact on preventive services in practice?

This report reviews computerized reminder systems for tracking health maintenance in clinical practice and discusses the features of a useful, cost-effective system. Systems presently available are predominantly designed for large groups. The primary product of these systems is a health maintenance status report for the provider that is generated at each patient visit. Systems for smaller groups that will generate reminders for providers and patients at specified appropriate intervals and will easily send reminders to patients who do not have appointments or are inactive are not available. Necessary features of such "ideal" computerized tracking systems include: 1) Demographic data must be obtainable from the practice's billing system and not require separate data entry. 2) Data entry must be quick, preferably single-screen. 3) Multiple-entry options must be available for each procedure. 4) The system must generate reminders regardless of whether a patient has an appointment. 5) Providers must be able to specify or cancel patient reminders. 6) A status report must be created for the chart at specified intervals. 7) The frequency and description of indicated procedures must be modifiable without programmer assistance.