An EHR is a vital application that is becoming nearly indispensable in most medical organizations, including those that treat Medicare and Medicaid patients and want to receive financial rewards from the government in exchange for demonstrating meaningful use of certified, up-to-date EHR technology because of the efficiencies it enables.
The use of cloud based electronic health records is growing, especially in larger healthcare centers such as hospitals. However, the type used varies depending on a variety of factors. Some practices choose a client-server EHR on site, while others use a cloud-based solution. Each type comes with its own pros and cons. Lets examine the differences between a client server based EHR and newer cloud based EHR.
Read on for a comparison of traditional EHR systems with cloud based EHR systems, so you can make a more informed decision when it comes time to upgrade your own practice’s EHR setup.
Difference – Client-Server VS Cloud-Based:
Cloud-based system:
- In a cloud-based system, users’ data is stored on external servers and is accessed through the web.
- Any device with access to a web browser is able to utilize the system. Users can store patient records and charts, track demographics, send prescriptions and laboratory reports electronically, and access templates for SOAP notes. A
- All the records are stored at an offsite data center.
Benefits of a Cloud-Based System:
- Cloud-based systems are simply more convenient. Leaving the tech aspect of data storage to an external party can serve as a huge weight off healthcare facilities’ shoulders.
- It also works to cut costs that would be spent hiring and managing a larger than necessary IT department.
- Some health professionals worry that cloud-based EHR software is not fully reliable and secure, but cloud-based systems utilize encryption and protection, providing a secure environment for critical data.
- A cloud based system offers automatic updates and the latest equipment to store your data on. All that’s required is a device with an Internet connection.
Client-server EHR:
- In a Client-server EHR systems store data in local servers.
- The healthcare facility must purchase and maintain the hardware and software themselves in order to keep things functional.
- While in-house servers have been the long-running standard, cloud-based servers are gaining popularity.
Benefits of a Client-Server System:
- Client-Server systems put the data in the facilities’ hands, 100%.
- This means that security is higher, and the chance of external circumstances interrupting connection is lower.
- An internal system means that one company need not rely on another for access to their files. Put simply, it’s a trade: loss of convenience for a gain of control.
A company’s decision to pick cloud or client-side should be a direct reflection of what they’re hoping to achieve. If the goal is functionality, convenience, and cutting costs, Cloud-based may be the answer. If the preference is for security, control, and individually tailored systems, than Client-server is the better choice.
If you are fairly new to learning about the impact of EHR systems and the nature of client-server EHRS vs. a cloud-based EHR. Contact us today +1(302) 613-1356.