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About MARS FAQ

How old is your company?
How long has MARS been in use?
Who is MARS designed for?
Can you provide references or testimonials?
What kind of support do you offer?
Do you provide training?
Do you have hardware/network support?
How often do you release upgrades?
What is your policy on refunds?
How long does it take to install and what do I need?
I have multiple computers in my office. Do I have to install the program on every machine?
Can MARS handle multiple users simultaneously?
Does MARS link to my current software?
Can MARS be customized?
What database do you use?
Website FAQ

When will the new M.A.R.S version be available?
What's new in M.A.R.S version 1.7?
What's the difference between a Server and Desktop edition of M.A.R.S?
Why won't the purchasing system accept my credit card?
What is a promotional code?
I'm having problems logging in. What should I do?
Software FAQ

Installation
What do I need before installing?
How can I use M.A.R.S on multiple computers (with multiple simultaneous users)?
Why wont the installation process accept my Serial Number?
What if I want to use a currently installed license on another computer?
How do I link all my M.A.R.S desktop installations to the server data?
How can I make sure that each desktop has access to a record's images and attachments?

Getting Started
How do I login my first time?
How do I customize my reports or list items?
How do I add a surgery with multiple locations (ie. lesions)?
What if I find that the software does not fulfill some of my practice's needs?

Messages / Errors
I am getting a message asking me to find the file MARSdata.mdb. What should I do?
M.A.R.S is telling me that the format of my data is of a different version? Should I let it upgrade my data?


About MARS

How old is your company?
  Derm.md was co-founded in 1999 by two Mohs surgeons seeking to improve the field of dermatology through their expertise in technology.  In 2001 MARS began initial development from the founders’ own need for a better solution in their practices.

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How long has MARS been in use?
  MARS has been in use within multiple practices since 2003, and was officially released to the public as a commercial solution in 2004.

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Who is MARS designed for?
  MARS is the only professional solution designed exclusively for Mohs surgeons.  Its beginnings as a simple note and letter generation system for Mohs procedures alone has been followed by steady expansions that have allowed it to become the comprehensive solution we offer today.  By providing support for excisions, consultations, and document management among our many other features we ensure that all of your needs our met from the unique perspective that a Mohs surgeon requires.

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Can you provide references or testimonials?
  We invite you to read the testimonials already posted in our Testimonials section.  If you would like to speak to one of our current clients, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.

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What kind of support do you offer?
  All of our clients receive one free year of basic support which includes up to 2 hours of support within 12 months of purchase. Every client with an active support plan is also entitled to receive free software upgrade(s). In the absence of an active support plan, support is billed hourly at $150/hr. and upgrades are available for a fee. See our Software Support & Upgrade Plan section for more information.

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Do you provide training?
  While many of our clients simply use our easy to use manuals, we offer live web training or on-site training upon request.  See our pricing page for more information about these services.

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Do you have hardware/network support?
  While our MARS specialists are trained to provide some advice and assistance in regards to your practice’s hardware and network, MARS is offered as a stand-alone software package.  We recommend you have an IT staff member available or a relationship with a local third party IT services provider to provide support for general hardware and network matters.

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How often do you release upgrades?
  Upgrades are released each year in May and October.  Clients with an active support plan receive upgrades for free.  Clients without an active support plan my request an upgrade for a fee.

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What is your policy on refunds?
  We stand behind our product.  If for any reason you are not satisfied with MARS, simply contact us within 30 days of your purchase and we will refund the full amount.

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How long does it take to install and what do I need?
  Installation takes between 5 to 15 minutes per computer and consists primarily of installing the Microsoft Access Runtime (available for free) and the MARS installation package available from your MARS website account. Mapping a network location as a network drive may be necessary if MARS will be used on more than one computer.

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I have multiple computers in my office. Do I have to install the program on every machine?
  You will need to purchase a desktop license and perform the software installation for each machine from which you plan to access the MARS database.  See the MARS in your practice for a few examples of how MARS might be setup in your practice.

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Can MARS handle multiple users simultaneously?
  Absolutely.  Any number of users may gain access to the MARS data from their individual installations.  If a user tries to access a specific record that is already being used by another user, they will be simply  be limited to viewing the information until the record is freed up for editing.

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Does MARS link to my current software?
  MARS integrates with a number of systems on the market. Please look through our interface list to see if a package is already available.  A quote for custom integration can be provided in the case that  an interface package is not currently available.

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Can MARS be customized?
  Many aspects of the software can be customized directly by your practice staff.  Custom development is also available for a fee to tailor the system to your practice’s special needs.

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What database do you use?
  MARS uses an internal Microsoft Access based relational database.  There are plans to support the use of Microsoft SQL Server as well in the near future.

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Website

When will the new M.A.R.S version be available?
  M.A.R.S version 1.7 was launched for the 2009 Mohs College 41st Annual Meeting on April 23rd, 2009. We are glad to announce that this new updated M.A.R.S version is now available and can be purchased through our online purchase page. If you are already a M.A.R.S customer with an active support contract you will find the new version installation files under your customer account . Customers with custom developed versions will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

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What's new in M.A.R.S version 1.7?
  • Paperless efficiency features
• Enhanced consult note
• More flexible analysis of case data for referral tracking

Click here to learn more.

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What's the difference between a Server and Desktop edition of M.A.R.S?
 
  • M.A.R.S Server:  enables a PC or server within your practice to centrally store and manage all your Mohs data. Since this is the heart of M.A.R.S, all customers must purchase one M.A.R.S Server license.
  • M.A.R.S Desktop: enables a network-equipped practice to have multiple points of entry to its Mohs data. While M.A.R.S Server can be used alone, its use will be limited to one PC - one user at a time. By purchasing desktop licenses, you will allow greater efficiency and availability.

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    Why won't the purchasing system accept my credit card?
      Our system can only process VISA, Mastercard, Discover and American Express credit cards (or bank cards provided by them). Please ensure that you have entered the correct credit card number and expiration date, and ensure that the billing address used matches the address the credit card's statements are sent to.

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    What is a promotional code?
      Discount Codes are special codes made of 6 alphanumeric characters that may be used to redeem a discounted price during the purchase process. These are usually provided to selected users by sponsoring organizations, but are occasionally used for our own promotional activities. Date and quantity restrictions may apply. Discounted prices given based on order quantities do not require a promotional code.

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    I'm having problems logging in. What should I do?
      Make sure the correct user ID and password is being used. If you do not remember the information, use our 'Forgot Password' page to retrieve it. Additionally, make sure that your browser is set to accept cookies, as they are used to manage your account information.

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    Installation

    What do I need before installing?
      Make sure that the computers you plan to use are adequate for our software by looking at the system requirements on the What do I need? page. Take special note of the fact that Microsoft Access 2003 is required for M.A.R.S to run. Access is a database software that comes with most Office 2003 packages, so your computers may already have this software. If not, it can be purchased from Microsoft for a reasonable price.

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    How can I use M.A.R.S on multiple computers (with multiple simultaneous users)?
      You can only install the Server edition of M.A.R.S on one computer within your practice.  To access the data from additional computers you must have a separate Desktop license for each and ensure that the computers have access over your network to the computer acting as the M.A.R.S server. There is no limit on simultaneous users as long as they are each using a separate computer with the desktop edition installed on it. While remote desktop software such as Microsoft Window's RDC (Remote Desktop Connection) may allow you to access a computer from multiple locations and may allow multiple users to access the same computer simultaneously if your Windows licensing allows it, M.A.R.S will not function correctly unless usage is limited to one simultaneous user per computer.

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    Why wont the installation process accept my Serial Number?
     

    During the installation of your M.A.R.S license, our servers are contacted to verify and activate the serial number.  Please make sure the serial number being entered is correct and currently unused by any other computers.  Ensure that a live internet connection is available for the activation process to take place. If you believe that your serial number is being rejected in error, please contact us.

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    What if I want to use a currently installed license on another computer?
      To free up a license for use on a different computer, just remove the software by running the software's uninstall or using Windows "Add/Remove" under the control panel.  The uninstall process will contact our servers and deactivate the license so that it can be reinstalled.

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    How do I link all my M.A.R.S desktop installations to the server data?
      Make sure that you have already installed the M.A.R.S server edition on a system that is connected to your local network and that each computer that will use the desktop edition is connected to the same network. The server edition's MARS data folder (or parent folder) will need to be set up as a shared folder within the network. Then, for each computer that will have the desktop edition installed, map the shared folder to a specific drive (such as drive M:). Once you ensure that all needed users have read and write access to the folder as a network drive, you can install the desktop edition onto the local hard drive (such as C:) of each computer. Then, run M.A.R.S on each computer to have it prompt you for the location of your server edition MARSdata.mdb file. Browse to its location within the network drive you set up and click on 'OK' to finish linking that desktop edition to the M.A.R.S server data.

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    How can I make sure that each desktop has access to a record's images and attachments?
      M.A.R.S incorporates images and attachments by linking to the file's original location. In other words, while the reference (file path) is stored within the database the file itself is not. Keeping that in mind, if you plan to use M.A.R.S within a networked environment you need to ensure that your images and attachments are stored in a central location that all computers will be able to access in the same way. The easiest way to do this if you don't already have another process in place is to store those files within the same network drive giving you access to the centralized M.A.R.S data (read the previous FAQ for more details). If you already store your images or digital documents at a different networked location just follow the process described for the server data in the previous FAQ but for the folder containing your images (ie. share the folder within the network and map it as a network drive - such as 'I:' - on each desktop computer that needs access to it).

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    Getting Started

    How do I login my first time?
      Whenever you open M.A.R.S a login screen will appear requesting you to select a user account and provide the corresponding password. Since you will not have set up your user accounts yet the first time you the software, you will need to use the built-in Administrator account provided. The default password for that account is 'changeme'. To ensure your data remains secure you should change that password immediately. Finally, you should create new user accounts for each person who will be accessing MARS so that they can set individual defaults and be held accountable for the information they enter.

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    How do I customize my reports or list items?
      Most customization capabilities within M.A.R.S can be found within the 'Administrative Tools' section of the Main Menu. The 'Practice Information' link will take you to an interface that allows you to set up your standard report header. You can make changes to certain areas of the the Operative Note and Referral Letter templates by using the interface available by clicking on the 'General Templates' link. Since the repair note may need to vary considerably depending on the repair procedure used there is a separate template for each individual closure option. You may access these report templates by clicking on the 'Repair Templates' link. Finally, if you wish to add, modify, or remove certain items from the various customizable data lists within the MARS interfaces the 'Customizations' link will bring you to the interface to do so. Please note that not all data items are customizable in M.A.R.S, since some data items are critical to maintaining a consistent and standardized data set.

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    How do I add a surgery with multiple locations (ie. lesions)?
      After submitting the initial 'Add New Surgery' form you will find yourself in the standard surgery record interface. Initially this record only includes general information on the scheduled surgery. To begin adding more detail, click on the bodymap button next to the 'Add Body Part Location' label. After choosing the needed location and submitting the form the location will be listed on the left side of the screen, giving you access on the right to detailed fields for that location. To add additional lesion locations for that surgery simply click on the 'Add Body Part Location' once again and repeat the process for each needed location in a similar way to the first one. The new lesion locations will be listed on the left side of the screen along with those previously added. Please note that there is no way to define a single lesion that corresponds to two locations. Select the location that most closely describes the case and include an additional note to clarify if necessary.

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    What if I find that the software does not fulfill some of my practice's needs?
      If at any point in time you find that the software is not meeting your practice's needs, you may contact us so that we can discuss with you what steps may need to be taken to help the software meet your needs. If this ends up involving changes to the software that are already available within an unreleased version of the software you may be given early access to the version. If they are not currently available but are already planned for or deemed as useful to all our customers we will pursue those changes for free, but within the limits and timeline of our development schedule. If the changes are deemed to be specifically for your practice or our proposed development timeframe is not acceptable, we will pursue the changes as custom development which will be quoted and billed to your practice at a reasonable hourly rate.

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    Messages / Errors

    I am getting a message asking me to find the file MARSdata.mdb. What should I do?
      This message will normally appear when opening a desktop edition of M.A.R.S for the first time after installing it. The desktop edition must be linked to the server edition's data file for it to be used. You can do so by clicking the message's 'OK' button and using the file dialog window provided to browse to the location where the MARSdata.mdb file is. This will most likely be within a network drive, located within the MARS data folder found in the folder the M.A.R.S server edition was installed to. If this message comes up at any other time it could be one of the following possibilities:
    - The M.A.R.S data file was manually moved to another location.
    - You no longer have access to the network location where the M.A.R.S data file resides.
    - You are using a new Windows account for which M.A.R.S has not yet been linked.

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    M.A.R.S is telling me that the format of my data is of a different version. What should I do?
      This message will normally appear when you have installed a new version of the software on some - but not all - of the computers at your practice running M.A.R.S. To be able to function correctly, your practice must use the same version of M.A.R.S on all of its computers. If you just installed a new version of the software and it is informing you that your data must be updated to the new version, simply click 'OK' proceed and the software will make the necessary changes to bring your data repository up to date. However, if the message you receive is informing you that you are trying to access updated data with an out of date version of the M.A.R.S desktop software, you will need to install the new version before being able to use M.A.R.S at that computer.

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