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SnappyFax is what I am using currently - it's pretty darn fine.
I am going to give WinFax another shot mostly because it integrates with Microsoft Outlook quite well.

I'm not convinced the Client Server version of snappy fax is all that great.

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>>I am going to give WinFax another shot mostly because it integrates with Microsoft Outlook quite well.<<

Outlook you say? Like it do you? Isn't that by the maker of Internet Explorer the devil incarnate? [}:)]

 

Chris Wilkerson, D.C.
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quote:
Originally posted by DrMurdoch

SnappyFax is what I am using currently - it's pretty darn fine.
I am going to give WinFax another shot mostly because it integrates with Microsoft Outlook quite well.

I'm not convinced the Client Server version of snappy fax is all that great.



I've spent a good amount of time reading about various fax softwares.
My conclusion is if something is working "pretty darn fine" then
stick with it!
There are lots of horror stories out there regarding fax softwares and LOTS regarding WinFax (poor integration with WinXP sp2). These refuges find themselves loving SnappyFax.
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FPDoc wrote:

Also read the previous post of Kdodson's set-up.
I'm comparing this solution versus Kdodson's version
of using the faxing within WinXP Pro combined with PaperPort.
Kdodson mentions he has a setup where all faxes automatically
come in as a PDF. Is that important?


It's important for me as I'm storing all documents in pdf format. The reason I'm such a Paperport advocate is that it's the only program I have found that allows a workspace showing thumbnail views and manipulation of pdf, especially stacking, with a Windows Explorer feel. I'm sure Adobe does this but it costs hundreds and from what I've seen, it involves more steps in organizing and annotating documents on the workspace.

I suppose a lot depends upon your ultimate storage solution. Most are storing each fax as an individual file whereas I'm taking all those faxes (which are ultimately pdfs) and stacking them in the patient's folder. There are some patient folders where I don't have all the information organized yet and there are hundreds of documents. This is very difficult to navigate. It's much easier to click on the patient's folder and see "Labs," "x-rays," etc and click on the stack. You'll then see the most recent data as you stack the most recent on top, analagous to a traditional paper chart.

I'm still trying to figure how I'll integrate this with e-MDs. Paperport does have a a separate PaperPort program called PageViewer that you can set as your default pdf viewer from within any program. This is the likely way I'll handle integration of the two products.
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>>> There are lots of horror stories out there regarding fax softwares and LOTS regarding WinFax (poor integration with WinXP sp2). These refuges find themselves loving SnappyFax.

Naaahhh... don't believe it Layne! [8D]

Hmmm... My $12 ebay version of Winfax Pro has worked in the WinXP environment flawlessly for over 2 years! I use Callsoft to answer my phones, but I found it unreliable for handling faxes. I'll check out Snappyfax... sounds pretty cool!

That said, I've noticed that Microsoft has introduced faxing back into it Access, using the SendObject command. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;299016

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;145787

One of the things that I've liked about Winfax is that it allows for close integration with MS Access. Here's a purchasable class library applet:

----------------------
Winfax® Integration Class Library for MS Access
Integrating fax operations though Symantec's WinFaxPro® has never been easier. This library has two classes, one to send access reports as faxes and another to allow the db application to monitor fax success or failure.

Supports WinFax version 8 & above. For prior versions of Winfax, see our Print Batch Manager below in the Add In section.

URL: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/attac-cg/acgsoft.htm
--------------------------------

Now, there are other ways to use WinFax with MS Access:

--------------------------------
Instead use Ole automation, which works with Winfax Pro 8 and later. Symantec's Winfax Pro Software Development Kit has the sample code required.

--Winfax Pro Software Development Kit Stick out tongue [:P]
--FaxDB.zip and Fax2K.zip used with WinFax Pro this can be incorporated into an Access 97 or Access 2000 app.
--Access Archon Columns from Woody's Office Watch See 112. Faxing from Access using WinFax with DDE
URL: http://www.granite.ab.ca/accswfxp.htm
--------------------------------

Now at the http://www.granite.ab.ca/accswfxp.htm there is code to directly manipulate Winfax without everything that I've said so far.

So this is why I've kept using WinFax Pro... it's cheap, it's programmable, and it works.

Another option is to use eFax.com and simply use the SendObject to send stuff to it... but that's for another posting! Big Smile [:D]

Al

Al Borges, M.D.

  • Internist/Oncologist in a Small Group Practice in Virginia
  • Columnist, MDNG magazine (“HIT Realist”)
  • My website URL: http://msofficeemrproject.com/
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Al points out all the reasons I like WinFax.
I had problems with WinFax not picking up faxes, but I suspect if you get the right modem, all will be glorious.

WinFax is a bit of a resource hog though, but so is snappy fax.

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Yesterday I installed a 2 channel Brooktrout PCI card into a server with Win 2K3. I am using the microsoft shared fax software which is a free add on to the basic installation. The configuration was reasonably easy - usual - screw it up a few times then you get it right. The two channel (Trufax 200) Brooktrout requires obviously 2 lines - one outgoing and one incoming.

I have networked the faxes by setting up a share on the server then mapping network drives to it from the workstations. I have added the network drives to Paperport folders. I then convert the TIFF fax files to pdr. Open up DoQuments (for the electronic documents that needs to be added to the patient record) -then retrieve it off the network drive rather than scan. Very easy to do it all. I can also annotate but since the original file is on the server - the annotations seem to be non-erasable.

Have to see how this arrangement works out over time. Work flow is always a "fluid" process.

John

P.S. this setup is similar to JCP
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quote:
Originally posted by rowingdoc

Yesterday I installed a 2 channel Brooktrout PCI card into a server with Win 2K3. I am using the microsoft shared fax software which is a free add on to the basic installation. The configuration was reasonably easy - usual - screw it up a few times then you get it right. The two channel (Trufax 200) Brooktrout requires obviously 2 lines - one outgoing and one incoming.

I have networked the faxes by setting up a share on the server then mapping network drives to it from the workstations. I have added the network drives to Paperport folders. I then convert the TIFF fax files to pdr. Open up DoQuments (for the electronic documents that needs to be added to the patient record) -then retrieve it off the network drive rather than scan. Very easy to do it all. I can also annotate but since the original file is on the server - the annotations seem to be non-erasable.

Have to see how this arrangement works out over time. Work flow is always a "fluid" process.

John

P.S. this setup is similar to JCP



>>I then convert the TIFF fax files to pdr.<<

I have done the same with shared fax software on 2003 and PP.

I also back up these tiff files as they come into my fax. My backup sofware grabs them when the source changes.

 

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Carson Doctors Group
TabletPCs in Medicine
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I'm starting to get confused.

Does my the Fax software (snappyfax or WinFax)
get downloaded on my server which is stored in a back room,
or do I install it on a computer near the front desk?

Using my tablet PC to fax an Rx, do I need to buy
the "network" versions of these softwares?

(
Still thinking of just using the fax software available
via Windows WP.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/crawford_02october21.mspx )

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FP - Microsoft has shared fax software and it needs to be added through add/remove programs - add remove windows components with your installation CD in place. This applies to 2003 and XP Pro ( atleast based on my experience). It really is no different than sharing a printer over a network. Install the fax software that comes with Server 2003 or Win XP Pro on the "server" where the modem is installed. Connect the workstations to the fax printer on the "server". Do this from the add a printer "a network printer, or printer attached to another computer" icon in printers and faxes. You can also simply type in the name of the server in start then RUN - i.e. \\server then if the printer is "shared" right click on the printer and the menu will list "connect" - hit connect and the workstation will then have permanent access to the fax printer on the server. Also allow everyone adequate privileges under security tab on the fax printer.

On the server double click on the fax printer and in the fax console go to tools then configure fax . Establish a shared folder to store incoming faxes then map network drives from all your workstations to this folder.In this way all your workstations have access to the incoming faxes.

To send a fax - simply go to file then print and find your fax printer - print to it. This sends the fax to fax server which has the modem installed. Also you can configue fax cover pages from tools on the fax console.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

John

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quote:
Originally posted by FPdoctor

I'm starting to get confused.

Does my the Fax software (snappyfax or WinFax)
get downloaded on my server which is stored in a back room,
or do I install it on a computer near the front desk?

Using my tablet PC to fax an Rx, do I need to buy
the "network" versions of these softwares?

(
Still thinking of just using the fax software available
via Windows WP.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/crawford_02october21.mspx )





The fax service isn't automatically installed in Windows XP. This is a good example of where you might need those disks you are missing.

 

Chris Wilkerson, D.C.
Carson Doctors Group
TabletPCs in Medicine
Editor-in-Chief www.MedicalTabletPC.com
Home: www.Digital-Doc.com

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quote:
Originally posted by FPdoctor

I'm starting to get confused.

Does my the Fax software (snappyfax or WinFax)
get downloaded on my server which is stored in a back room,
or do I install it on a computer near the front desk?



I would install the Fax software on your "server" - you can always change the location relatively easily.

Well, it's hard to say really. Depends.

quote:
Using my tablet PC to fax an Rx, do I need to buy the "network" versions of these softwares?


WinFax - No. You just install the "Server" version on one of the PCs. Essentially one PC is designated the Server and the rest are clients.

SnappyFax - Yes. You need to purchase the Server Version. In that case, I'd put in SnappyFax Server on your "server".

To Demo Snappy Fax, I'd just put the standalone version on your Secretary's PC (which should have the modem). You should just print the RX, sign it, and give it to the secretary. (for now).

My initial suggest for you is to try WinFax, in a client server fashion (as I said before, have 2 fax modems at least to play with).

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