How a downsized computer produced upgraded results.

Abstract

The gamble that a 16-physician primary care group could function on a PC-based system has paid off handsomely and promises to do so for years to come. The initial problems of our old system are well behind us. In bypassing the routine upgrade, we have scaled down to a new basic lower cost platform. The risks were substantial. The rewards were worth it. I still have trouble believing it works. We used to impress our colleagues and physician recruits with the sheer size of our computer system. Now we impress them by contrasting the old and new. The computer that occupies most of the room signifies are past. The personal computer is our future.