Advantages of Cloud-Based EMR For Medical Practices

Healthcare has evolved with the passage of time, shifting operations online, becoming more digitized and technology-oriented. This shift has been prompted by the numerous merits of using integrated technology and the digital world within hospitals and practices in that they make business more seamless and efficient.

The advent of Covid 19, which has changed life as we know it, has also spawned the deep integration of technology in the landscape of healthcare. Amongst numerous techniques to digitize, one of the most notable is the use of cloud-based EMRS, an extremely convenient and efficient way of storing patient information at work.

What is EMR?

EMR for medical practices is also known as electronic health records. It contains everything a doctor would find in a paper chart, such as the medical history of a patient, diagnoses, medications, allergies and vaccinations. They replace the traditional paper chart and do not usually travel out of practice.

What is a Cloud-based EMR?

Cloud-based EMRS are web-based electronic medical records in a nutshell. They contain and manage the same clinical data that is found in a traditional EMR and more. Cloud-based EMR stores patient records online, track demographics, share, send or print prescriptions, enable laboratory and device integration and even have a feature for templates of SOAP notes.

Online medical records are an alternative to EMR systems which can only be operated on the premises of the practice. Cloud-based EMR systems allow you to access information from the comfort of home or at another practice if need be. The interface can be accessed via an internet browser instead of requiring software to be locally installed each time.

Advantages of Cloud-based EMR

Simple Implementation: Cloud-based EMR software which runs on the web does not require you to locally source someone to install the hardware or software. Implementation is quicker with cloud-based systems. This also allows practices to reduce interruptions in cash flows, getting faster returns on investments in comparison to the usual client-server systems, which need time to be installed and can be challenging to operate.

Bigger Savings: EMR installation costs are crucial to consider when making the leap. Traditional client-server systems tend to be extortionately expensive to set up and have additional charges such as licensing fees, updates, maintenance costs and more. Cloud-based EMRs do not require the traditional installation procedure, which reduces the cost by large margins. You usually have a simple subscription fee to pay, which is either monthly or bi-annual. The costs are relatively low in comparison and can be categorized as operational expenses.

Ease of Use: Cloud-based EMRs are extremely easy to get the hang of and use. The user interface resembles a web page; thus, it is easy to learn and navigate, tapping into intuition born from years of using the internet. Your staff doesn’t need to undergo training sessions which can be expensive and eat up valuable time. The transition can thus be extremely smooth.

Decrease IT Burden: In cloud-based EMR systems, data is placed at a remote centralized location. From here, it is monitored by the in-house IT staff, which basically ensures that the software runs smoothly. They handle all routine back-ups, maintenance and upgrades to the software. This factor leads to amped-up security and maintenance support.

The quality of security and maintenance is far higher than what a typical practice can implement on its own, especially if the practice doesn’t have its own server. The burden on the IT team is lessened by a considerable measure.

Remote Access: Web-based EMR solutions have a significant benefit in terms of access from beyond the confines of the clinic. Access from beyond the practice is hugely beneficial for physicians who spend a lot of time on-call or at work, as they do not need to come in to access files when they have to access them in an emergency.

You also lessen the risk of misplacing physical copies of patient reports if they are ever brought home from work. Remote access is commonly found with all browser-based systems and APIs. They may not, however, be found with enterprise solutions.

Greater Security: Many doctors tend to be skeptical about cloud-based electronic medical records because they perceive them being a security threat. The skepticism is understandable; however, web-based electronic systems can deliver much better security in comparison to paper records which can be easily damaged or misplaced and client-server systems.

Cloud-based systems in the market meet HIPAA compliance, featuring bank-level security and high-level encryption which makes data unreadable even if there is a security breach. Client servers often tend to be unencrypted, which does not nullify all threats. Cloud-based data is also safe from natural disasters or freak accidents. Data is always backed up securely in numerous different locations.