PRESS RELEASE

For Release March 31,1999

Contact: Alex Yuan
A&L Computer Software Ltd.
905-886-8066

From: Lynne Beckett
Becklyn Communications
416-781-8301

Electronic First Aid Kit for Ontario Doctors – A Call to Action

e-MED Kit Addresses Ministry of Health Deadline

Richmond Hill, ON., -- A&L Computer Software Ltd. (A&L), the largest supplier of medical software in Ontario, announced today that it has created an electronic "first aid" kit ("e-MED" kit) in response to requests from Ontario doctors and to help them meet Ministry of Health regulations and Federal Government tax deadlines. The "e-MED" kit provides the precise information required for doctors and other health care providers to convert their computer systems by July 18, 1999 in order to be paid by the Ministry of Health. OHIP claims received after that date in the previous format will be rejected and Ontario doctors will not be paid until claim submissions are in the Version 3(V03) software format and Y2K compliant.

"This is a serious situation because the OHIP and Y2K changes affect every area of a doctor’s practice," said Alex Yuan, A&L president.

In February, only 21 percent of Ontario physicians submitted claims using the new software VO3 format. As a result of the low compliance rate, OHIP extended the March 18 deadline to July 18, 1999. To be eligible for the Federal Government small business, Y2K tax-relief incentive programs, computer installations must be completed by June 30.

It is estimated that up to 80 percent of Ontario’s 23,000 practicing doctors will be scrambling to upgrade their computer systems and meet the impending deadlines, creating a nightmare for both health care professionals and software vendors.

A&L, a market leader in the medical informatics field and pioneer in digital imaging technology, has converted systems for 5000 clients to date.

"We developed the "e-MED" kit to bridge the knowledge gap that exists and to simplify the review process required in dealing with several technology changes," Yuan said. "The kit consists of eight key questions that need to be answered to take action. By using the kit as a guide, a doctor can complete a needs assessment and develop a list of priorities within 15 minutes."

The "e-MED Kit" is posted on A&L’s Website (www.anl.com) and will be faxed on request to Ontario doctors and other health care providers. The information will also be available for distribution through the A&L booth at the scheduled OMA Practice Advisory seminars.

Before a new computer system is installed, A&L staff consult with doctors and conduct on-site visits, if required, to assess and develop technology solutions for the business and clinical aspects of the practice.

"We identify the work patterns that are unique to the practice, as well as the type of practice and doctor’s future practice plans. Factors such as accounting preferences, patient record keeping, appointment scheduling, data extraction requirements and claims submission options dictate the current and future components," Yuan said.

A&L allocates 12 to15 hours for the installation of a new system, which includes six-hours of on-site training so that staff are confident in using the software. The company provides telephone support services from its head office in Richmond Hill and technical support through its network offices across Ontario.

Although A&L has a four-week wait for new installations, the company is able to supply Y2K-ready hardware and on-site technical services for clients on the next business day, through a special business agreement with IBM Canada. Technical support services are provided free-of-charge to doctors across Ontario in the first year.

When the Ministry of Health introduced the new software specifications in March 1998, A&L re-allocated its resources and committed 100 percent of its time to the OHIP conversion process. Although its software was already extremely adaptable and Y2K-compliant, A&L invested four months in research and development and conducted V03 software pilot tests that involved 200 doctors.

After launching the new VO3 software in September 1998, A&L demonstrated at more than 60 Y2K-information seminars organized by the Ontario Medical Association and also distributed new software to the Community Colleges in Ontario for use in their Medical Secretarial programs.

A&L Computer Software Ltd. was founded in 1982 and now ranks as the leading medical software company in Ontario. In 1998, A&L was recognized for its innovation in the field of medical informatics and presented with an "Outstanding Business Achievement Award" by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Alex Yuan, A&L president received the all-encompassing "1998 Entrepreneur of the Year" Award from the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs for his leadership, business success and commitment to the Canadian medical software industry and community enhancement programs.

The complete "e-Med" Kit is available on request and at www.anl.com.
View A&L's e-Med Kit fact sheet.