Cloud-based (SaaS) vs. Server-based EMR System - Evaluate Your Options

EMR & Medical Billing Best Practices Series: #8 In our blog's best practice series for electronic health record implementations, we recently covered the need for planning and process mapping when shopping for an EHR. We also highlighted some tips for involving staff in the EHR implementation process, specifically with regarding to training. Before moving from planning to training, another essential decision your medical office needs to make is whether a server-based or web-based EHR is best suited to your needs. Server-Based EHR Systems A server-based EHR system stores all data and most functionality in house, which means you'll need servers onsite. A server-based system requires medical practices to purchase hardware, including servers, as well as software that has to be installed onsite. Benefits The speed of server-based systems are usually dictated by the strength of your internal network and server equipment rather than factors such as Internet connections, which are sometimes out of your control. Without a reliance on Internet connections, you aren't limited to upload or download speeds, which is important to high-image reliant medical offices such as those in cardiology or orthopedics. In-house servers put data completely in your control, offering security, should an EMR vendor go out of business. Disadvantages Server-based systems come with high upfront costs when compared with cloud-based EHRs, due mainly to the amount of hardware required to implement an in-h...
Source: EMR EHR Blog for Physicians - Category: Technology Consultants Authors: Source Type: blogs