The "Year 2000 Problem", which will come about when some computers and other electronic devices recognize "00" as the year 1900 and not the year 2000, may cause obstacles for all of us. This numerical affliction could cause your offices’ computer system to crash when the ball drops on New Years Eve 1999. Many businesses, such as yours, have put the issue on the back burner, overly confident of today’s technology to automatically fix what is wrong. Don’t make this mistake in your office.

Your plan of attack is to identify if your computer’s hardware and software, other equipment, which uses a date field such as diagnostic equipment, and outside vendors are prepared. Check with your hardware manufacturer to determine if your computer’s basic input/output system will recognize two digits of the century part of the date. This can be done by research on the World Wide Web or direct contact with company representatives.

How about your office computer software? Again start with the manufacturer. For example, Microsoft has posted a Year 2000 resource center online at www.microsoft.com/year2000 with information about which of its products are compliant and how they handle dates. Newer software may have already been modified and others will require a patch, or minor programming adjustment(s), to continue functioning properly at the strike of 12 midnight December 31^st, 1999. Do not be deceived by new purchases. Software distributors may still be trying to unload software that is not compliant.

What about those with whom you do business? Will they be ready and if they aren’t how will this effect your operation? If you financial institution is not prepared, you may not be able to make transactions. What if you are on a computerized elevator, will it simply stop working? What if Medicare cannot pay your claims due to malfunctioning computer systems? Not to mention the IRA, your long-distance provider, the stock market and your office management system. Survey outside vendors to determine if they are ready. If they are not who is liable if it effects your practice?

Do all that you can to be prepared. Document all your research and findings so that if something goes wrong at least you can prove that you tried. This way you can avoid the possibility of a lawsuit.

The AAFP has developed a plan to ensure that all of its computer hardware and software will operate normally through the year 2000 and beyond.