With current incentives and future requirements, all physicians will soon be using electronic medical records. While they offer many advantages (so space requirements for records, instant access to patient information), many complain that they greatly slow down the workplace. While no system may be perfect, we will all have to choose a platform eventually, if we do not already own one. While there are different bells and whistles in each system, first one should decide broadly whether to choose a system that is client-server based or cloud based. In my opinion, cloud based is the absolute best choice for an ophthalmology EMR.
To begin, server-based systems require office computers that must function perfectly every day. Should a part break or a virus infect the server, the entire EMR is crippled until it’s fixed. This can result in days of lost revenue, not to mention the cost of the repair. Cloud based systems are relatively immune to these complications, and should a power outage occur in the office, physicians call still access their EMR if they use cellular based backup computers or tablets.
Upgrades are important to maintain your EMR and also increase patient flow. There is no question that every current EMR could be better, and with time they will all improve. Server based models may require users to pay for the upgrade, and even if they don’t there is the potential risk of screwing up when you install the new software. Because of the way most cloud systems work, they can be continually updated without affecting their users and often without charge.
Accessing patient records can be easily performed with cloud based EMRs. Most systems now have smartphone apps available, so in the event that a patient calls after hours, their information can be readily retrieved. Server based systems can also be accessed from afar, but typically only with specialized software and the connection is typically more tedious and time consuming to set up. This can also present a problem for practices with multiple offices, as those physicians in satellite office will have delays in accessing information from the main server. Cloud systems, once again, do not suffer slowed responses with increased physician usage, provided the internet connection is good and the company has provided sufficient bandwidth.
In cases of natural disaster, such as a fire, a client-server based EMR can be completely destroyed without any hope of recovery. Information stored in the cloud, however, can be obtained the day after a massive hurricane, provided the provider can access the internet.
The biggest drawback to cloud based systems is that they can be more costly. However, keeping EMR in your office requires a significant hardware investment that typically must be continually upgraded. Cloud based systems typically only require an internet connection. In addition, some cloud-based systems are better suited for smaller offices (i.e. fewer than 20 patients per day) due to slower processing times. Be sure to check when comparing the available solutions.
Ultimately, there are so many advantages to the cloud based EMR technology that the expense is well worth it. Cloud based EMR takes all potential user errors out of the hands of the physicians, allowing us to work on what’s important: taking care of our patients.
EyeFormatics offers a cloud based EMR solution.