Just because something is “the original” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best. Would you rather hop on the expressway in a Ferrari FF or a Ford Model-T? A similar mindset should prevail when choosing between the outdated client-server solution and a cloud-based EHR.
Years ago, client-server was king. But it was the only choice. As cloud-based EHRs evolved,they improved upon the foundation laid by client-server, particularly in the following five areas.
Client-server solutions only run on in-house servers connected to your practice’s computers, which require both hardware and software installation. Cloud-based solutions bypass this part of the process by connecting through any computer with a solid Internet connection.
1. Costs
The ease of implementation for cloud-based EHR solutions can translate into big savings. Most cloud-based solutions charge only a flat-monthly fee, with system updates included at no extra cost.
On the other hand, client-server solutions require paying for the aforementioned hardware and software installation in addition to licensing fees, maintenance costs and upgrades.
2. Security
Client-server systems are housed in a room at your practice. This leaves patient data not only susceptible to theft, but also vulnerable to natural disasters that affect your practice. Also, data may not be encrypted, making it easily decipherable to common thieves.
3. Cloud-based EHR solutions take care of security concerns by encrypting data, so thieves can’t use the data even if they gain access to it. Which by the way isn’t easy since data is stored off-site in data centers with bank level security.
4. Flexibility
Because you have to install hardware with a client-server solution, they don’t adjust easily to the needs of your practice. If you receive an influx of patients or need to add a physician to the system, additional hardware/software may be required.
With a cloud-based solution, small practices are operating on the same servers as large hospitals, making any adjustments due to growth easier to handle.
5. Accessibility
Cloud-based EHRs can be accessed securely from any location with an Internet connection. If you’d like to work on something from home, it can be easily done. But with a client-server EHR, you can only access EHR data on computers installed with the vendor’s software, located at the practice.
In the end, the advantages of a cloud-based EHR are too numerous to ignore. This is one case where being old-fashioned isn’t a valued virtue.
Written by Salvador Lopez, Content Writer at CareCloud where this article first appeared on CareCloud’s official blog.
CareCloud is a leading provider of cloud-based practice management, electronic health record and medical billing software and services.
Image credit: FutUndBeidl via cc
