Large practices and hospital systems need to face a lot of challenges when it comes to day-to-day administrative, clinical, and financial workflows. Many practices consider switching or purchasing a cloud-based or a web-based EHR software solution because of its flexibility and lower costs. The web-based Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software systems seem to be a better option to meet all operational and clinical needs.
Cloud-Based Software VS Client-Server Software solutions
When medical practices want to purchase a software solution they have two options to consider, namely cloud-based software services and client-server software solutions. A cloud-based EMR software system stores all data on external servers. It makes it easy for the providers to access patient data round the clock using their smartphones or laptops.
Client-server software systems store data in-house and have hardware and software requirements and also comes with installation costs. These days’ practices are opting to go for a cloud-based software system because of the many advantages it provides to their practice.
6 Advantages of Cloud-Based Systems
- Easy implementation – Large practice-set ups have a lot on their plate already and they can’t waste time on the implementation of the software. A cloud-based software system is easy to implement as no installation of hardware or software is required. The implementation process is smooth and fast and provides a faster return on investment.
- Cost savings – Cloud-based EHR software systems are cheaper to install as many up-front costs can be saved. When practices opt for a client-server software solution it costs $40,000 or even more which is a hefty amount. As cloud-based systems don’t require the need to install hardware or software those costs are eliminated. Practices have to pay a monthly fee for the service they are receiving.
- IT requirements are reduced – When your data is stored on the cloud, practices don’t longer need an IT team to install, configure, and update hardware and software. The SaaS provider takes care of automatic updates which makes sure the software system operates to its best potential.
- Increased flexibility – Providers can easily log-in to the software system on their smartphones and practice on the go. They have fast and easy access to important information which can play a vital role in improving the patient care process. By accessing data from anywhere physicians can collaborate with other providers in a breeze which leads to enhanced care coordination.
- Scalable solution – When you have data on the cloud, practices can easily grow without any hitches. New users, locations, and clinicians can easily be added to the web-based EMR software systems. This flexibility makes it possible to grow and offer better care to patients.
- Better privacy – Privacy and encryption of patient data is the utmost priority of medical practices and doctors. When the patient information is stored on the cloud-based EHR software systems practices don’t have to worry about privacy standards as the vendors take complete responsibility to protect patient data on a centralized server. Cloud-based systems can only be accessed by authorized users through login passwords gives makes it a secure way to access patient data.
Wrapping it up
Cloud-based software solutions are robust, effective, and flexible and the best part is that these systems can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of each hospital or medical practice. A cloud-based system is an ideal solution to take your practice to the next level.
