The Benefits of Cloud-Based EHR Software: Enhancing Efficiency and Patient Care
Cloud-based EHRs are becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare field. This has raised debate about how this kind of Electronic Health Records Software compares to other EHR solutions. A HIMSS Analytics report suggests that two-thirds of hospital IT leaders currently utilize cloud-based technology.
EHRs — Some Trends
In 2018, thirty percent of practices that housed more than 11 clinicians were looking to switch their EHR Software by 2021, according to a Black Book report. As such, there are both positive and negative sides to cloud-based and in-house EHRs. Some points that need to be considered while going in for either include cost savings, security considerations, and even data-sharing benefits.
Any large or small medical practice needs to conduct a research exercise to discover the best EHR for their needs. While doing so, they may also realize some discouraging up-front costs are involved with some EHR systems. The scales tilt in favor of cloud-based EHRs in these aspects as there are some distinctive advantages of such EHRs compared to client-server systems.
Cloud-based vs. In-house EHRs
Before we go into the benefits of cloud-based EHRs, let us study some differences between these EHRs and client-server EHRs.Such EHRs store medical practice data on external servers. This data can be accessed through the web by authorized personnel, such as physicians, practice managers, and other authorized staff. The only requirement is a mobile device or computer with a secure internet connection.
On the other hand, client-server systems store data in-house. This requires a server, hardware, and software installed in the physician’s office. Client-server EHRs have been historically prevalent. However, medical practices increasingly switch to cloud-based EHR systems for several reasons, including enhancing efficiency and patient care.
Let us study some of the benefits of cloud-based EHR systems next:
- Easier Implementation
EHR systems that run on the web do not require hardware or installation of software. Since software implementation is faster with cloud-based systems, it has been noted that there is a marked increase in the return on investment (ROI) for those practices running such EHRs compared to traditional client-server systems.
2. Remarkable up-front savings
Many medical practices are genuinely concerned about the high cost of setting up traditional EHRs. Small practices especially face costs to the tune of $40,000 or more to set up such EHRs. Then, licensing fees, maintenance costs, updates, and patches must be considered.
On the contrary, cloud EHRs do not require any hardware installation. Also, there is no need to purchase any software licenses. Therefore, implementing such EHRs costs very little. In practice, they pay only a monthly fee, just like a utility bill. This arrangement is called software as a service (SaaS).
3. Much Fewer IT Requirements
Practices that move their medical record to the cloud no longer need their team of IT experts to do tasks such as installation, configuration, testing, running, securing, and updating hardware and software. Such tasks are handled by the SaaS provider exclusively. Furthermore, web-based systems also make arrangements to provide automatic updates. This means practices can continue running the most up-to-date software that is available.
4. Better Collaboration and Accessibility
Cloud-based users can log in to the system from anywhere using any secure internet connection device. This enables authorized users to access the system outside the office and collaborate more effectively. This means better care coordination can be achieved easily.
5. Easily Scalable
It becomes easier for practices to expand on the cloud without the usual pangs witnessed with issues such as the addition of new doctors, users, or locations. This allows practices to grow without causing them financial distress.
Are Cloud-Based Systems Safe?
Millions of people trust the cloud to store much of their sensitive data. Email systems like Google and social sites like Facebook utilize cloud storage. Some physicians are skeptical about cloud storage and cite security as a concern. However, as you will understand, web-based EHR Service Software can provide greater security than client-server systems and paper records. Web-based systems are HIPAA-compliant as they utilize secure data centers and encrypt data with the help of high-level encryption methods to make data unreadable even in the event of a security breach.
Conclusion
Besides delivering several advantages, such as cost savings and security, cloud-based EHRs provide the most optimal solution for medical practices. OmniMD’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is expertly crafted to integrate effortlessly with your unique workflow. Whether you need to handle your documents, access your patient’s complete medical history, prescribe the appropriate medications, receive clinical summaries, or utilize comprehensive analytics, our cloud EHRs maintain a constant connection. It remains up-to-date, ensuring you have the latest patient information readily available. Contact us to know more!
