April 20, 2023
A cloud-based EHR utilizes cloud technology to store, exchange and protect patient data. It has many benefits; it is reliable, lowers the load on the on-premises server, and ultimately reduces the IT infrastructure cost. In terms of functionality and basic features, it is no different from the traditional EHR. Utilizing these systems, you can accumulate patient information, maintain electronic health records, sort, organize, compile, and share data, and facilitate effective communication with medical providers and third-party payers.
EHR solutions based on the cloud have pros and cons, but if you are focused during the transition, you can eliminate most cons and reap the full benefits.
Before moving to the cloud, here are some suggestions you need to keep in mind. These suggestions ensure a smooth transition to a web hosted EHR system.
The cloud provider will access all patient information, project plans, etc., so checking the provider's reputation is essential. It is the provider's responsibility to ensure that the information of its clients is not misused by unauthorized personnel. The health care provider should check data protection and operational integrity services. Additionally, it is valuable to know where the servers will be located and where client data will be stored. Clients should demand total transparency.
Security certifications and external audit readiness are critical factors when choosing providers. Continuity of service is crucial for the provider if there is a problem. Ensuring providers and patients belong to the same country is crucial.
To enhance the security of the service, cloud providers should execute data logging and data monitoring tools.
There is always a threat associated with the fact that a third-party processes important patient data. Therefore, the client must know who will manage the medical data and what access rules will be followed by the provider. Everything should be according to HIPPA compliance. As well as the password handling system configured by the provider, the client must be informed about the role-based access system.
Following are the benefits of electronic health records (EHR) hosted on a cloud server.
Web-based EHR solution does not require installation. Due to cloud-based systems' faster implementation, practices can reduce cash flow interruptions and get a quicker return on investment than traditional client-server systems.
Patients are at the center of everything you do. Patient care and interactions can be improved with cloud-based EHR systems. Imagine you're treating a patient with high blood pressure. You can determine if their treatment works by tracking their blood pressure over time. If their blood pressure remains high, you can adjust their treatment. Moreover, remote patient monitoring (RPM) plays an incredible role in providing quality care to a patient living in a rural area or having a problem visiting providers in person.
All your patient records in one place make it easier to spot red flags. Having all patient records in one place also simplifies care coordination. Imagine treating a patient who also sees a specialist. You can easily share information with specialists and other care team members using a cloud-based EHR. Everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal.
With cloud-based systems, you can interact with patients in minutes without interruption. It is so reliable that you can work anywhere and anytime with an internet-connected device. Switching rooms and interacting with patients is done more freely with an iPad instead of a desktop and keyboard. Moreover, accurate and structured data is helpful for medical billing purposes.
EHRs connected to client servers would require expensive hardware to be purchased or leased by the practice. Hardware needs to be monitored and maintained continuously. As a result, practices would have to hire IT personnel to set up, run tests, maintain functions, and upgrade the hardware and software. It stays within current standards.
EHR vendors or hosting companies cover all costs associated with cloud-based EHRs. Other than the typical equipment setup required to run a medical care practice, there are no hardware, network, or maintenance costs associated with the practice.
Large medical practices can expand using the cloud without experiencing the usual growing pains of IT. Adding new users, doctors, or locations is easy with a web-based EHR system. Cloud-based software permits healthcare practices to believe and grow without breaking the bank.
When dealing with medical records, speed, and accuracy are crucial. Physicians must obtain a patient's complete medical history as soon as possible. Every patient visit, new data must be recorded into their chart.
Physicians must place electronic orders for lab tests and diagnostic images under Meaningful Use. Providing value-based care and data interoperability requires a stable, high-performance cloud-based EHR service that can meet providers' requirements.
The article will help you better understand how cloud-based EHR works and how it benefits the practices to grow. Moreover, if you are looking for such a solution, cloud-based EHR systems like talkEHR’s EHR offer all the benefits of the cloud without sacrificing quality or security. This solution works with any specialty, handles all tasks in your practice, and saves you time and money.
Learn more about talkEHR and how it can benefit your medical practice by scheduling a demo.
