Cloud Based EHR Software Explained
The use of cloud technology has become common and is prevalent across almost every industry. A testament to this belief can be seen in how even the most secure industries are shifting sizable operations onto the cloud. The use of this technology has also seen its prevalence in the medical care industry, which is notoriously known for not embracing any drastic changes in its administrative operations. One of the software solutions that has seen widespread use across the medical industry is the usage of a cloud based EHR software.
So, what is a cloud based EHR software?
A cloud based EHR software is a flexible, scalable, cost-effective solution that can be used by healthcare institutions to maintain the health files of all the patients in the cloud instead of internal servers in the medical facility. Having a cloud based EHR software also enables medical institutions to mine data to help administrators and employees examine work processes to identify potential behavior patterns, drug interactions, and health risk factors. In the present day, these solutions are designed keeping in mind the feedback from medical practitioners, clinicians to ensure the requisite customization features are available to help institutions provide superior in-patient care.
What are the benefits of a cloud based EHR software?
When it comes to choosing an EHR software for a medical practice, there are two modes that are commonly available in the market. These are in-house EHR systems and the cloud based EHR software. As the names suggest, the in-house variant looks at storing and managing the records internally, while the cloud based EHR software stores all the pertinent data on the cloud, ready to be accessed by designated personnel anywhere. Whilst the cloud-based software brings myriad advantages in comparison with the in-house systems, let us look at how the cloud based EHR software is beneficial for medical practices.
- Staying up to date with compliance practices is now taken care of by the cloud based EHR software
- Updating code-sets, renewing encryption certificates, and security patches are now taken care of by the vendors.
- With practices scaling, a cloud based EHR software allows the practice to handle increased patient loads, physicians with little requirement and involvement from the in-house IT staff
- For small and medium-sized practices, there is no need to invest in IT training and support teams, as the cloud based EHR software handles all the important functions
- Cloud based EHR software(s) have intuitive decision-support tools and extensive drug libraries, reducing the possibilities of errors
What are the pertinent features of a cloud based EHR software?
While selecting a cloud based EHR software, there are a few facets that every medical practice must keep in mind. From integration to interoperability with other software(s), physicians and administrators of medical practices must be wary of their selection. However, it is also of paramount importance to look at the features of a cloud based EHR software. Features that are essential and make the software use-worthy for reducing the burden on the administrative and clinical staff. Here are a few of those features:
- Dynamic reporting
- Electronic prescribing
- Appointment reminders
- Healthcare analytics
- Mobile application
- FHIR compliant
- Patient portal
- Patient check-in kiosk
How to choose the perfect cloud based EHR software?
There is no dearth of blogs and articles answering the aforementioned question. But it is essential for every medical practitioner to ask the right questions to the vendors while choosing the best cloud based EHR software. The first thing that every practitioner must do is research and jot down their goals to get a clearer idea of what they can expect from a cloud based EHR software. Moreover, here are a few pertinent questions that practitioners must ask themselves and the vendors:
- Is there a free demo or free trial available?
- How responsive is the customer service?
- Are they HIPPA compliant?
- Is training provided, and if yes, for how many hours?
- Where is the data stored?
- Who has the right over the data that is collected?
- What are the fees. And are there any hidden costs?
Who should get a Cloud Based EHR Software?
One of the most burning questions regarding the cloud based EHR software is who should get it? Owing to its plethora of advantages, a cloud based EHR software is perfect for all small and mid-sized medical practices. By outsourcing their IT demands, a cloud based EHR software has a tremendous impact on expense-management and returns. It is also perfect for practices that are skeptical about transitioning into a full-fledged in-house system, owing to the costs and responsibilities. But irrespective of the size of the practice, it is noteworthy to mention that every medical practice can benefit significantly with a cloud based EHR software.
Conclusion
In a buyer’s market, there is never a dearth of options, and the same can be said about the number of cloud based EHR software solutions that are available in the market. But the onus is on practitioners to look for the right one by weighing on the features, pros, cons, and other facets.