R4 Testimonials
Read what real users have to say about R4 Clinical+ Practice Management Software:
Ms Charlotte Harrison is Practice Manager for Campbell and Peace Specialist Practice in Nottingham and has used R4 practice management software for the past three years—here’s what she has to say about her experience:
“I have used other practice management software packages, but they were much less user-friendly than R4. It’s just so easy to retrieve information. There is a dedicated section for all of your report running so you can simply go in, type your requirements and pull it off.
R4 allows me to delegate work to reception and I can use it for generating patient reports for things like keeping a track of recall appointments and chasing up outstanding accounts. I can also retrieve financial statements to allow us to keep a track of our associates on a monthly basis, as well as check averages throughout the year.
The training is extremely good and there is also very reasonable priced training available online, which you can do in a group and the content can be tailored to suit your needs. It’s difficult to pinpoint one particular highlight of the system - all of it is really easy. Our lives would be a lot more difficult without it!”
Return to Top
|
R4 Clinical+ Practice Management Software:
"The system of choice"
Dr Colin Campbell is Clinical Director for Campbell and Peace Specialist Practice in Nottingham and has used R4 practice management software for the past three years. Here are some of his favorite things about the program:
“It’s the best [practice management software] on the market, offering value for your money and excellent support.
The main advantage of the R4 system is the absolute integration of imaging, case notes and Back Office. It’s completely seamless for use in surgery. With other systems you’re opening one programme here and one programme there in order to perform all of the required tasks. With R4, it’s all in one place. It’s massively efficient. I honestly don’t understand how people can cope without something like this in the practice; it’s so effective for us.
R4 allows us to give the patients a streamlined digital experience that they can’t get anywhere else. We can manage the practice in a modern way. It’s great for the practice manager, the team, and the patient. For dentists, it is the system of choice. The new products coming up are quite brilliant; it’s really very exciting to see what they’re able to offer.”
Return to Top
R4 Software:
"A boon to all areas of a practice!"
R4 practice management software (PMS) from Carestream Dental is a boon to all areas of a practice—from the receptionist and practice manager to the clinician, principal, and business advisor. The technology facilitates streamlined patient management, intelligent dental business management, and the most advanced and sophisticated of dental imaging systems. With all of its new features, R4 software is designed to seamlessly integrate with any practice, helping to reduce paperwork, increase productivity, smooth workflow, and provide a competitive edge.
R4 practice management software (PMS) from Carestream Dental is a boon to all areas of a practice—from the receptionist and practice manager to the clinician, principal, and business advisor. The technology facilitates streamlined patient management, intelligent dental business management, and the most advanced and sophisticated of dental imaging systems. With all of its new features, R4 software is designed to seamlessly integrate with any practice, helping to reduce paperwork, increase productivity, smooth workflow, and provide a competitive edge.
Paul Dutton, the Managing Director of One Solution Group (OneSG) in Newport, explains: “At OneSG, we are an outsourced service provider, supporting dental practices with their facilities, finance, HR and IT requirements. Our initial introduction to Carestream Dental was via Nick Russon, as we had mutual clients using the R4 system.”
Using the software, OneSG is able to become an integral part of a practice. “R4 gives us access to and compatibility with our clients,” says Mr Dutton, “allowing us to dial in remotely to their systems. This way, we can provide practice owners with concise, accurate management information, enabling them to make informed decisions.”
Practices naturally focus on patient care and may not be used to thinking in terms of business efficiency. They could benefit from using the R4 Back Office feature, which provides easy-to-use tools, sound financial data and key performance indicators in a format that is simple to understand. Completely tailored for the dental industry, Back Office can be used to increase effectiveness, control outgoings and maximise income potential.
Mr Dutton says, “We are extremely impressed with Carestream’s Back Office module as this assists our finance and HR teams in carrying out their day-to-day activities, streamlining our operation and meaning we can provide our services for a reduced fee for those clients who utilise R4 and the Back Office module.”
A successful practice is highly organised and consistently delivers top quality healthcare and the right PMS helps to achieve both these aims. “R4 is not just a patient management system,” says Mr Dutton, “it’s a management tool which facilitates the practice team in delivering a truly great patient experience. It also provides the necessary management information to deal with the challenges all business are faced with in this economic climate.”
Dr Colin Campbell is Clinical Director for Campbell and Peace Specialist Practice in Nottingham and he has used R4 software for the past three years. He says, “We’re quite high level users and have integrated a lot of the R4 technology into the practice, including the Cone Beam CT scanner.”
Having experienced other PMS systems, Dr Campbell has decided that R4 has the edge, “It’s the best one on the market, offering value for money and excellent support,” he says. “In a dental practice environment, let’s face it, we’re not IT experts. With R4, we’re effectively outsourcing our IT to Carestream Dental and they are quick to respond to any problem.”
Ongoing customer assistance is particularly important to Dr Campbell, who says, “When you go completely digital you enjoy a lot of benefits, but you’re vulnerable if your equipment malfunctions: the whole business is affected. You need to be back on track straight away and that’s where Carestream Dental come in. When you need support, they really deliver.”
Ms Charlotte Harrison works alongside Dr Campbell as Practice Manager of Campbell and Peace. “I’ve been at this practice for three years now,” she says. “I have used other practice management software packages in the past, but they were much less user-friendly than R4. It’s just so easy to retrieve information. There is a dedicated section for all of your report running so you can simply go in, type your requirements and pull it off.”
Ms Harrison also appreciates a strong level of customer support. “The training is extremely good,” she says. “Our trainer spent a lot of one-on-one time with me and there is also very reasonable priced training available online. This works out very cheaply, as you can do the online training in a group using a webcam and the instruction content can be tailored to suit your needs.”
As a practice manager, Ms Harrison uses the software as part of her day-to-day routine. “R4 allows me to delegate work to reception and I can use it for generating patient reports for things like keeping a track of recall appointments and chasing up outstanding accounts,” she says. “I can also retrieve financial statements to allow us to keep a track of our associates on a monthly basis, as well as check averages throughout the year.”
Members of the team throughout the practice use R4, as Ms Harrison explains, “The nurses use it on behalf of the dentists. They’re responsible for the note writing and one of their tasks is to set up templates to standardise the notes. Our hygienist has the same format of writing notes for every patient. It maintains a certain standard and it is a lot more efficient when everyone uses the same system.”
R4 has a range of innovative features to assist almost every aspect of running a practice, from automated text messaging of appointment reminders to integrated digital imaging. “We use the text messaging facility,” says Dr Campbell. “It’s a simple idea, but very effective. We are also able to use photography in patients’ notes to present cases to them, which has been extremely well received.”
“The main advantage of the R4 system,” he continues, “is the absolute integration of imaging, case notes and Back Office. It’s completely seamless for use in surgery. With other systems you’re opening one programme here and one programme there in order to perform all of the required tasks. With R4, it’s all in one place. It’s massively efficient. I honestly don’t understand how people can cope without something like this in the practice; it’s so effective for us.”
State-of-the-art technology also enhances a practice’s image, nurturing a positive perception in existing and prospective patients. “R4 allows us to give the patients a streamlined digital experience that they can’t get anywhere else,” says Dr Campbell. “We can manage the practice in a modern way. It’s great for the practice manager, the team, and the patient.”
Service provider OneSG and their clients have benefited enormously from incorporating R4 into their working practices, while Mr Dutton is enthusiastic about working with a company that he describes as ‘proactive, innovative and receptive to change’. He says, “Carestream have a real desire and ambition to continually challenge the status quo and improve their product, and they are open to working with specialists outside of the dental sector to really push the boundaries.”
Dr Campbell is also eager to keep abreast of new developments in R4. He says, “For dentists, it is the system of choice. The new products coming up are quite brilliant; it’s really very exciting to see what they’re able to offer.”
Return to Top
Ms Lesley Turner is the Business Manager for Toothbeary, a children-only dental practice based in Richmond. She says, “Back Office is an essential tool for my role. It is invaluable being able to analyse statistics and costs at the touch of a button.
“The nominal ledger allows me to keep a close eye on transactions and adjustments from each facet of the practice. I can access a profit and loss report in seconds and I’m able to get a trial balance that is absolutely perfect for our accountants.
“The real beauty of R4 PMS and the Back Office business software is that they integrate so well. All of the fees are actually transferred into R4 so you haven’t got to waste time inputting the figures from sales - anything that saves valuable time is a vital in a busy practice.
“Back Office is incredibly easy to use and the facilities, although tailored to dental practices, are unquestionably essential to any business. I know where the practice is financially at any given moment: how much things cost, what savings I need to make, how and where to boost sales to provide a profit - or to increase profits. Personally, I can’t see a future without it!”
Click here to read more about how R4 and Back Office help Ms Turner and the staff at Toothbeary work more efficiently.
Return to Top
R4 Software:
"My clinical set up now does exactly what I want, when I want it."
Dr Philip Friel is the Clinical Director at Phillip Friel Advanced Dentistry in Glasgow. Here's what he has to say about some of the benefits he's gotten from R4 software:
Having considered the many and varied options available in patient management software we decided to go with R4 from Carestream Dental. What I needed was advanced, cutting-edge technology, adaptability, reliability, and value for money. My clinical set up now does exactly what I want, how I want it. Perhaps most importantly, however, the problem-solving capabilities when tested have been slick and efficient and the training given on either an individual or team basis has been outstanding - D Paterson in particular is a must for in practice training."
Return to Top
As the General Manager at Total Dentalcare, a state-of-the-art dental practice with locations in Dover, Folkestone, Hastings, and Peterborough, Paul Gavin has first-hand knowledge of R4 software’s outstanding features. Here’s what he has to say about the program:
"We have three busy mixed practices using R4 and their digital x-ray sensors. We like the idea of an all in one system with hardware and software provided by one supplier. The system works well for us, the support is excellent and I would have no hesitation in recommending Carestream Dental o other potential users."
Return to Top
As Finance Manager at Chineham Dental Practice, Mr Firoz Lalijee has firsthand knowledge of the many benefits R4 software delivers to the practice. Here’s how he sums up his experience with the program:
“We are a mixed Practice and have been using R4 software since June 2005, as well as Carestream Dental’s imaging products—including the 3D cone scanner—since January 2007. Five years later, and we simply cannot imagine life without it!
Its ease of use, particularly with the diary, and precise, clear charting makes it a stress-free solution for the entire team and a great tool for the Practice!"
Return to Top
As the Practice Manager for Bounds Green Dental Practice in London, Ms Yvonne Jordon uses R4 Software on a daily basis. Here's how the program helps her work more efficiently:
“I use R4 Practice Management Software for my role. We have the dental package and X-Ray machine, as well as the internet on each computer, which allows Carestream Dental to dial in to our system remotely.
Without R4 there are a lot of day to day things we simply wouldn’t be able to do. We couldn’t function without it.
The customer support is excellent. Recently, I had to run a system back up which then appeared to freeze half way thorough the process, so I rang Carestream Dental for help. They dialled in and were able to inform me that our internal backup had in fact started. If I hadn’t rung them, I would have wasted a considerable amount of time waiting.
The Carestream Dental team are always there at the end of the telephone. You never feel that you’re a nuisance, or that you’re asking a silly question.
Every time I ring, the call is answered quickly and they deal with any difficulty. I find them very helpful and they always fix the problem. I think they’re brilliant.”
Return to Top
Dr Stephen Barter, Clinical Director and owner of the Perlan Specialist Dental Care Practice in Eastbourne, has been using R4 Software from Carestream Dental for just over four years. Here's what he has to say about it:
“We use the full extensive range of the R4 software, including practice management, radiography, clinical records, appointment schedules and 3D imaging records. As the Clinical Director, I find the record-keeping to be most beneficial within my role, as the R4 has eliminated the need for any paper records, significantly reducing the risk of lost records and giving me instant access to any patients’ notes.
I also use Communicator and I think the animated explanations are great. As most of my patients come to me by referral, this makes it a lot easier for me to communicate with new patients for upcoming treatments they need. This programme has also hugely improved communication within the practice, as it is very easy to send notes and records internally, and patients’ notes can be picked up very easily by other specialists within the practice.
Overall, the R4 software keeps the whole practice well organised and the Communicator in particular, helps the practice to run so smoothly.”
Return to Top
R4 is the software of choice at Whiteley Dental Practice and, with such benefits, it's easy to see why:
"We are very happy with Carestream Dental, and have used R4 and their Dental Imaging for a good few years.
It is very clear and easy to use from all aspects of clinical and reception use, making life a lot easier for all our staff.
The Practice Manager is particularly happy with the general housekeeping it performs and the clarity of the reports it can produce at the touch of a button has made her life easier!
The service provided is excellent; our friendly account manager is always accessible, and the telephone and help desk staff are very patient. We have had the necessity to call out the Carestream technical team in the past, and they too are very personable.
We would recommend Carestream Dental to anyone who is looking for a simple to use, but thorough software system, which is a great tool to our practice."
Return to Top
Dr Martin Delahaye is the principal dentist and owner of three Central Dental Practices, and has been using the R4 practice management software from Carestream Dental since it first became available 12 years ago. Here’s what he has to say about the program:
“It’s very important to me to have the most up-to-date technology in my practice, to give my patients the very best care. I use the full range of the R4 software from patient records to appointments, to the new digital radiography systems. It’s incredibly useful to have an integrated system, as everything is so easily accessible.
I like the ‘Patient Journey’ feature, as it aids patients’ understanding of the treatments they’re undertaking and greatly improves my communication with them.
The training was very good, enabling staff members who generally struggle with computers to quickly become competent. Members of the Carestream aftercare team have returned since then to update training on new features, and train new staff. I have also attended various extra workshops and courses by Carestream, to improve both my skills and those of my staff.
The R4 software has improved my practice in everything from organisation of the practice to communication with patients, and enabled me to give the best care possible.”
Return to Top
|
|
Julie Porter is the Practice Manager of Roseworth Dental Centre in Stockton-on-Tees. Here's a summary of her experience using R4 Software:
“As Practice Manager, I use all aspects of R4. Roseworth Dental is a very busy practice: we are 99% NHS with approximately 20,000 patients and 6 surgeries. R4 is a massive help; we just couldn’t manage without it.
For me personally, I appreciate being able to get so much information about the running of the practice and the business situation - I have much better control.
The patients love the text messaging to remind them of their appointments. They’re very impressed with it and it enhances the professional image of the practice.
Any queries I’ve had with the customer service team have always been resolved. I like to watch them resolve the problem for me when they dial in and there is always someone available who has the knowledge for your problem.
I would always recommend the R4 software. In fact, I have done so many times in the past and the practices who subsequently changed their Practice Management Software are very happy with it, too!”
Return to Top
Jacqui Dougan is the Practice Manager of Eight Dental in Glasgow and has used the R4 Practice Management Software from Carestream Dental for almost three years. Here's how it helps her:
"I make good use of R4, particularly for patient appointments, financial work and reports. It’s more efficient than relying on a paper system. Appointments are easier to control; as are the six-month recalls. I think it’s a great system.
Just before I joined the practice I had training from Carestream Dental on how to use R4. It was very beneficial and showed me everything I needed to know. It’s quite an easy system to follow.
The customer support team are excellent. Recently, I required assistance and rather than talk me through the process the gentleman dialled in remotely to our R4 system, and was able to show me how to fix the problem. I always find the customer support team to be very professional.”
Return to Top
Dr Simon Shillaker, principal dentist at Fareham Road Dental Surgery in Hampshire, has been using R4 Practice Management Software from Carestream Dental since 2002. Continue reading to learn what he thinks about the program:
“I use R4 for everything from notes and booking appointments to financial transactions. A mainly NHS practice, we are almost all doing EDI claims and, with four dentists and a hygienist on site, R4 is in use every second of the day.
We’ve always found the charting facility easy to get on with. Even nurses who are just starting out or who come from an agency find it easy to pick up.
I particularly like the tooth notes, where you can log particular issues about one tooth and build up a history of every time there’s been an intervention.
There are lot of benefits to R4 including the fact that it’s not lost a record yet! We have instant access to information and the reception team don’t have to juggle multiple diaries to book patient appointments – it’s all in one place.
We computerised when we went up to three dentists. Now we have four, it would be impossible with a paper system. R4 is so reliable and keeps everything running smoothly.”
Return to Top
Miss Sophie Gill is the receptionist at Queens Terrace Dental Practice in Southampton. Continue reading to see what she has to say about the benefits of R4 software:
“At Queens Terrace we have R4 Clinical+ Practice Management Software and I use it for many of my routine tasks, such as booking appointments and filling in patients’ medical details.
I have worked here for about 2-3 months and this is the first time I’ve used any kind of Practice Management Software, however I find R4 simple to use so I’ve managed to pick it up very easily without any training.
Recently I needed to call Carestream Dental’s helpdesk because our computer system slowed down and we couldn’t figure out why. I didn’t have to wait long before they called me back and it was all sorted out remotely in no time.
They are always very good and extremely polite whenever I have to call. All in all, R4 makes everything a lot easier for me.”
Return to Top
Mrs Toni Batty is the practice manager of Torrington Dental Practice in North Devon and has been using R4 Practice Management Software from Carestream Dental for over seven years—and given all the benefits the software provides, it’s easy to see why:
“I use R4 a great deal in my role. I particularly use a lot of the reports – monthly reports, accounts, recalls and, of course, EDI as we’re a heavily NHS-based practice.
We have eleven or twelve users on the system and we rely on R4 for our internal communication. It really is invaluable; we use it all the time.
When R4 was first installed, Carestream Dental sent two reps to the practice to provide two days of training. It was very good, taking all the staff through the whole system until we felt confident to use it ourselves.
I’ve had a great experience when it comes to dealing with their customer support team, too. They call back when they say they will, and fix the problem. I usually speak to one girl in particular, Laura, who really is exceptionally good.”
Return to Top
Dr Shushil Dattani is the Clinical Director of Kent Smile Studio, an innovative and friendly practice located in Maidstone, the heart of Kent. Continue reading to learn what he has to say about the benefits of using R4 software in his practice:
Our recently renovated practice is very modern and it’s important that the way it is managed is equally progressive and impressive to patients,” says Dr Dattani.
I have used R4 Practice Management Software for many years and find it a powerful, reliable and state-of-the-art solution to running a business as productively and smoothly as possible.
The software is easy to learn, which is useful because it means little, if any, training is required. The staff certainly find it helps them in their day-to-day tasks, increasing efficiency from patient bookings and payments to clinical records and digital radiography.
R4 is the ideal blend of up-to-date technology and ease of use, ensuring the practice is highly organised so that patients receive the best care.”
For more information, visit Kent Smile Studio online.
Return to Top
Michael Powell is one of the principal dentists of Crabtree Dental Care in Crawley and a long-term customer of Carestream Dental. Here’s what he has to say about his experience with R4 software:
“I’ve been using R4 Practice Management Software from Carestream Dental for the last nine or ten years. At Crabtree Dental Care, R4 gets used for everything from patient treatment plans to quotes. Every aspect of the system is used regularly - we have the back up facility, patient bookings and all of that side of things.
R4 benefits our patients enormously in all sorts of ways. They receive a quick treatment plan and they leave the practice with a piece of paper that has all the information they need. Plus it’s fast and easy to search for patient information. The system is so beneficial to us, the sheer speed of it.
We’re happy with the customer service we’ve received from Carestream Dental. I particularly like the way they can access our system over the internet and make the necessary adjustments to fix a problem. We don’t have to do a thing.”
Return to Top
Mrs Sarah Livingstone is Practice Manager for Hampstead Medical and Dental Practice (Glow Dentistry) in London. She has been using R4 Practice Management Software from Carestream Dental for the last year and a half:
“I was introduced to R4 when I first joined the practice. It is the first practice management software I have ever used and I have found parts of it fairly easy to learn. I’ve used the R4 clinical tutorial and it was quite straightforward to follow.
I’m happy with the level of support I’ve received from Carestream Dental’s help desk team. In my experience we have received a lot of assistance each time we’ve called for technical support. That’s what’s important to me.”
R4 PMS simplifies routine tasks, improves communication and makes information more accessible throughout the practice. Designed to help increase the productivity of your practice, R4 takes care of the details so you can take care of your patients.
Return to Top
Dental Practitioner Dr Sarfraz Khan, from Darfield Dental Practice, has used R4 Practice Management Software from Carestream Dental for the past six years.
“I did my research when it came to the Management Software within the practice, because I wanted to have the best system you could get,” says Dr Khan. “In 2005 that was the R4 Clinical+ system, and that is still true today.”
“We use the R4 system for everything including patient records and medical histories, registrations, X-ray records and referrals. It also allows us to access the day or week’s appointment schedules all on one page, making my receptionist’s life so much easier.”
“The Online Backup System has been very effective. When our computers crash the team at Carestream Dental respond quickly, and we receive the backed up information within the session, and are able to continue our work without difficulty.”
“The Text Messaging service is also very effective, as we can contact patients quickly and easily.”
“I’m very pleased I chose this system in 2005, it is awesome equipment, and I know I have the best system in place.”
Return to Top
Mr Sahed Hussain is the Finance & Operations Director for Noel House Dental Surgery in Braintree, Essex. In May 2011, the practice began to use the Text Messaging Service offered by Carestream Dental.
The service works by automatically picking up patients’ details from the appointment book or recall information and sending text messages to patients to remind them of their dental appointments.
“We use the R4 Practice Management Software and started using the texting process in May,” says Mr Hussain, “and it has worked well. It has helped decrease the number of patients who do not attend (DNA).”
“We tend to use texting for patients who have appointments of 10 minutes or over in length. Over the past three months we have seen a reduction in time loss through DNAs by over 60%. There may be other factors influencing the result, so I will keep monitoring this every three months. However, it certainly looks promising.”
“DNAs prevent dentists from reaching their UDA targets. The more patients who attend appointments, the easier it is to reach the targets. By June, the UDA achieved was notably higher than previous months.”
Return to Top
Mr Aaron Thomas is the Director at Coly House Dental Practice in Bristol, and has been using the R4 Practice Management Software from Carestream Dental for seven years.
“I use the R4 software for all the general organisation in the practice, including all clinical data, and patient notes. It’s great to have everything easily accessible and in one place. I also think it’s a much safer way to store records, as electronically stored information is harder to lose than paper records, and it is backed up off site as well.
“We also have the Digital X-Ray Unit, which again just makes our lives easier, as the ability to take radiographs is now a fast and effective process.”
Carestream Dental’s R4 software is currently being used by thousands of dental practices, simplifying routine tasks and improving communication between dentists and their patients.
Return to Top
|
|
Mrs Koryn Yau is the lead receptionist at All Smiles Dental Care in Milton Keynes and has been using R4 Practice Management Software (PMS) from Carestream Dental for the last six years.
“R4 is the first PMS I’ve ever used,” says Mrs Yau. “I didn’t receive official training from Carestream, I was taught by members of staff here. It was very easy to pick up.
“R4 helps with appointment booking; I also use document management and finances. I’m learning more and more on R4 that’s useful to me as I get more responsibility in my role; it’s a real asset for my job.
“R4 makes things a lot faster for our patients. As soon as they ring, we can quickly find whatever information they need. The charting shows us which teeth need treatment and the software layout is very easy to follow.
“Paper notes would be slower to access and then you’d have to decipher the handwriting, which is often a doctor’s version of shorthand.
“If there are any problems, I can ring the customer support helpline and they’re always extremely helpful.”
Return to Top
Dr Paul Hanna is the principal dentist of The White House Dental Surgery in Eastbourne and he has been using Practice Management Software (PMS) from Carestream Dental for the last seven years.
“We upgraded to R4 Clinical+ a year ago,” says Dr Hanna, “and I use it for clinical charting, ordering, finance and patient communication. I use it for almost everything, from sending claims to showing patients ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures to X-rays.
“Having tried other PMS, which was quite complicated, I find R4 much easier to use and that’s why we made the switch.
“I make good use of R4 Mobile, particularly for checking patient information. For example, if I’m away and a patient has an emergency they can text me and I have access to all the relevant details. Then I can text advice to the patient or the practice.
“Our patients benefit in many ways. Waiting time is reduced and patient communication is so easy: we can send them appointment reminders and treatment offers.
“The customer service team are very helpful and prompt. They can resolve problems by dialling into our system or give us straightforward advice on the phone that is easy to follow.”
Return to Top
For more information on R4 from Carestream Dental, please call 0800 169 9692.