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As part of your decision about an EMR purchase, now you have to determine if you want a client-server based or a web-based system.
A client-server based system is the one that we are the most accustomed to. You buy a server, purchase a license for the EMR software which you then install on that server.
Web-based systems (also called cloud computing or cloud based), are becoming more prevalent. This is where you pay a monthly subscription fee to access the EMR system. You do not purchase it. Nor do you need to purchase a server. (Applications that work like this include Salesforce and QuickBooks online.) These are known as SaaS (Software as a Service).
Your information is often stored across a network of data centers. As such, it is said to be hosted in the "cloud." The information is in no one particular place at any time.
In fact, if you are using a centralized data center and using it across the many locations of your WAN (Wide Area Network) you are using a type of cloud computing. The difference is that there is a direct connection to the network. A truly web based system stores and recalls data across the internet.
Using a web-based EMR, smaller practices can obtain the full benefits of automation and perhaps obtain a much better value out of a remotely hosted solution.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Web-Based EMR Systems
With the plethora of vendors, do your due diligence! In addition to cost, evaluate how well a proposed system will work for your office, how much it will increase your efficiency and how it will affect patient care. Your decision should be based on your practice's unique needs.
Some common and general advantages of web-based EMR systems may include:
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Less up-front costs (no license, or server to purchase)
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Vendor must meet the meaningful use requirements
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Can access the information anytime and from anywhere
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Very effective for small group practices
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Security measure are usually more sophisticated
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Daily offsite backups
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Network monitoring and intrusion detection
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Detailed performance monitoring and reporting
- Disaster recovery components and expert techs 24/7
General Disadvantages may include read more here.
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