In his 30 years as a consulting physician and diabetologist, Dr. J. S. Bhuttar found one practice in his industry disconcerting: the unchecked use of paper. Apart from voluminous medical records and discharge cards, which consumed a good deal of time to procure and file, there was one other difficulty: illegible prescriptions. “I sometimes find it difficult to read my own prescriptions,” he says, with a smile.
While discussing the issue with other doctors, Dr. Bhuttar realised the problem was universal, and there was an urgent need to digitalise the healthcare sector, as a way to save trees, lower healthcare costs and provide prompt services to patients.
Dr. Bhuttar developed a personal software, ‘Daily Dose’, for his clinic at Kalamboli around 12 years ago, which was an instant hit. The software generated quick e-prescriptions.
“This was a small software but the results were outstanding. The patients as well as staff found it easier to handle as it drastically cut down on paper use,” he says. Developing software has been Dr. Bhuttar’s passion, and he has done so for colleagues in the past.
Facilities at a click
Motivated by the success of Daily Dose, Dr. Bhuttar decided to create a more comprehensive software that will help medical professionals administer every feature of medical practice. He pumped in his savings of Rs. 50 lakh and unveiled Mediclixx Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 from his clinic. He hired 10 software engineers to develop medical software to manage patients’ records, appointments, hospital administration and billing.
“To understand the needs of doctors, hospitals and patients, we attended national and international medical seminars,” says Dr. Bhuttar. After almost three years of exhaustive research and trial and error, his team converted the Daily Dose software into a solution for professionals providing 20 medical specialties. “This software called Mediclixx, an upgraded version of ‘Daily Dose’ was launched in the market four months ago,” says Rahul Devidas Shelke (25), Software Development Director, Mediclixx.
Dr. Bhuttar has also launched a free Mclixx app on the Android platform, which helps patients book appointments and manage their profiles. They get authorised mobile prescriptions; bed allocation details; reference (doctor) details and discharge cards. Till date, 4,800 people have downloaded the app, says Dr. Bhuttar.
‘User-friendly’
Here’s how the software works: An OPD registration is done online through Mclixx. The doctor examines the patient and gives her an e-prescription, which is sent to the patient’s mobile. The patient shows this prescription to the chemist and takes the medicines. In case of hospitalisation, bed allocation, patient management and nurses’ work station are all filed in an electronic format. Once the patient is discharged, the discharge card is auto generated and sent to the patient’s mobile; one copy goes to the healthcare provider. If the patient has health insurance, the bill is sent to the patient’s mobile.
Medical stores, which are included in the software, get access to the patient’s original prescription using an auto-generated pass code that is valid for 24 hours. The patient can also access a pathologist or radiologist’s report online.
The software, which can be downloaded on all Android phones, desktops and IOS, provides doctors, hospitals and clinics, access to crucial patient information at a click.
They can view the patient’s contact information, appointment type, duration, history and notes in the drop-down menu. The automated phone, email and text appointment reminders allow patients to confirm their appointments online. Patients also get reminders for tests, immunisations, exams and screenings.
“There is a unique feature which generates a barcode for easy appointments and tamper-proof prescription and captures patient photos for easy recognition,” says Mr. Shelke. Further, doctors can create quick online prescriptions with clinical notes and investigations.
All the data is encrypted, and a security code allows only authorised persons to control and monitor access to information. The software also offers a 24x7 web or video chat with doctors, says Mr. Shelke.
The subscription price for the software is Rs. 499 per month for individual doctors; Rs. 999 a month for clinics with a reception facility; Rs. 1,499 a month for nursing homes and hospitals.
Indradev Atak (61), a resident of Kalamboli who has been using the app for the past three months, finds it “user-friendly.” Bhamji Ravariya (52), a Kharghar resident who has been using the app for two months, says, “Every detail is available on phone and there is no tension of losing the prescription. Moreover, even the lab reports come on the phone, making it easier for the doctors to give a prescription,” says.
Dr. Ram Chaudhary, general practitioner at Kalamboli, finds the software useful for both doctors and patients. “With so many drop-down facilities and details of drugs available, the software can go a long way in revolutionising the healthcare sector.”
Dr. Sachin Anbhule, a dentist practising in Kalamboli, says the software and app are useful for doctors who have a heavy flow of patients in their clinics as they help control appointment schedules. Also, as the doctors can see the previous record at the click of the mouse, it is easier for them to know and understand the patient’s history and the medicines prescribed. “Patients too don’t have to carry heavy files.”
Besides Mediclixx and Mclixx, Dr. Bhuttar plans to unveil a number of other apps. “We wish to launch this software at all major hospitals, clinics and medical centres across the country with a view to make healthcare more efficient, ethical and enjoyable to professionals,” says Dr. Bhuttar.
Snapshot
Mediclixx Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Founder: Dr. J.S. Bhuttar
Funding: Bootstrapped
Employees: 8
Website: www.mediclixx.com