While searching for a suitable EHR cloud system, large healthcare organizations do extensive research. They want to get the most suitable, customizable, and cost-effective option available.
However, most CIOs get discouraged by the high up-front costs. How will other members of the C-suite consent to such a high capital expense for a new EHR?
An excellent solution will be to opt for an EHR with cloud-based architecture. It will not require the same high up-front expense. Plus, it can meet most clinical, administrative, and operational needs.
While it is true that storing data in-house may appear to be more secure, maintaining the server, hardware, and IT support personnel raises costs significantly. That is just one of the reasons why many practices are adopting cloud-based EHRs.
Here are the other significant benefits of a web-based EHR:
1. Faster Implementation
When your EHR software runs on the cloud, hardware and software purchase and installation are not necessary. As long as you have computers and mobile devices connected to the Internet, your organization can implement a new EHR with minimal interruption to your workflow.
Unlike traditional client-server EHRs that require purchasing in-house servers and training professional IT support staff, you can get up to speed with your cloud-based EHR faster. While some training may be necessary for higher productivity, clinicians can learn quickly through online training.
2. Significant Up-front Savings
EHRs hosted on in-house servers require high set up costs. In addition to hardware installation costs, there are maintenance and upgrade costs and licensing fees. This makes it difficult for many practices to use client-server EHR systems.
However, implementing web-based EHRs requires a fraction of the cost of an on-premise solution. Prices of cloud EHRs vary widely depending on the complexity and the number of features included in each solution. But the practice only needs to pay a monthly fee since the vendor provides the solution through a subscription arrangement.
3. Better Data Security
Security is a significant consideration when choosing a new EHR. Patients’ records must be kept private in storage and during transit to be compliant with HIPAA regulations.
Although EHRs now improve patient information access, their prevalence makes them a target for hackers and data breaches. Patient records contain names, addresses, social security numbers, birth dates, and lab test results.
Some experts believe that cloud EHRs are more secure because service provider data centers are well protected from intruders. Cloud services also provide robust security controls, access controls, and data encryption.
4. Enhanced Interoperability and Information Exchange
A cloud-based EHR can connect readily to health exchanges and allow secure data exchange. It is not uncommon for providers to migrate to a cloud-based EHR mainly because of data exchange issues.
Effective clinical connectivity allows providers to optimize patient care and avoid problems that lead to patient readmission. Through a secure data exchange, physicians can make more confident decisions during diagnosis and treatment.
Here’s How to See a Cloud-based EHR in Action
Discover first-hand how a cloud-based EHR works. Connect with Lifepoint Informatics to schedule a free demo today.