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Clinics and law firms hold some of the most private information there is. Whether you buy ready-made software or have something built, these questions are worth asking before you sign.
1. Who can see what?
A receptionist, a doctor and an accountant need different things. Check that access can be set per role, and that the system records who opened or changed a record.
2. Where is the data kept, and who owns it?
Ask where the data is stored, how it is backed up and how you would get all of it out if you ever moved. Your records should always be yours.
3. Does it fit how you work today?
Ask for a demonstration using your own day: a new patient, a hearing that moves, a part payment. Software that forces staff into a new routine they do not need is software they will avoid.
4. What happens when something goes wrong?
Ask who you call, how quickly they answer and what happens if the system is down during clinic hours or before a hearing.
5. Can it grow with you?
A second branch, a new partner, another doctor — check what changes when you grow, and what it costs.
6. What does it really cost each year?
Add up licences, per-user charges, hosting, support and the cost of changes. The cheapest start is not always the cheapest system to own.
We have built systems for both clinics and solicitors. If you are weighing up your options, we are glad to help you think it through — even if the answer is a ready-made product.


