By Amy Stankiewicz
You’re thinking about an electronic health record (EHR) system. It just seems like good business, but how do you know what works best for you?
Consider your needs
As chiropractors work toward implementing EHRs, they remain faced with many decisions that can seem both overwhelming and costly. One decision involves whether to use a cloud- or server-based system. Many practices are opting for the former because it is easy to use and cost effective. Patient data is safe and Internet accessible.
More advantages include:
- Easy implementation — Web EHRs require no extensive installation of hardware or software at the actual practice site, meaning you can leave a large part of your cash flow free for other obligations. Server-based EHRs can cost thousands of dollars to set up, and this doesn’t include the licensing fees and maintenance costs needed in both the short- and long-term.
- Minimal IT — a server-based system can require a team of experienced IT professionals to install, test, secure and maintain the EHR on an ongoing basis. Web-based systems
- eliminate the need for these expensive resources; all maintenance and configuration is done in the cloud by the EHR provider.
- Accessibility and collaboration — Web-based EHRs allow you and your team to access patient data anywhere there is an Internet connection. This can enhance collaboration and communication with both patients and colleagues, ultimately improving continuity of care.
- Simple expansion — a Web-based system can expand along with you much more easily than a server-based system. You can add new users and locations all without time-intensive IT configuration.
Remember:
It’s true many practitioners remain wary of Web-based systems’ level of security. Rest assured, Web-based EHRs are highly secure. These systems retain HIPAA compliance by using bank-level security and an extremely high level of encryption. And in the event of a natural disaster, a Web-based system provides much more security than a server-based one. Because data is backed up in various locations, you won’t lose all of your critical patient information in the event of a hurricane or fire.
