Web based EMR Software or Client-Server based EMR Software?

Web based ('hosted") EMR systems and Client-Server based systems have advantages and disadvantages

Both web based EMR software and client-server based EMR software systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice between these two variations of EMR software depends on your specific requirements and situation.

When we use the term ‘web based' we are essentially referring to a hosted EMR which is offered as SaaS (Software as a Service) and not a client-server application that runs in a browser on your local installation of server.

Web based Electronic Medical Record Software

The EMR software application runs on a remote server that is accessible over the internet via a browser like Internet Explorer and Firefox. In this mode, you do not own the software; it resembles an auto lease whereby you pay monthly fee for the right to use the software.
Advantages of web based EMR Software
  1. Security: The security offered by the provider of web based EMR is very strong and more than meets the requirements of HIPAA. In fact, it more often than not will be more secure than what small clinics can provide within their premises.
  2. Server maintenance: You are not responsible for ongoing maintenance of the server. It is taken care of by a professionally competent IT company.
  3. Initial investment: Since you do not invest money in buying expensive hardware and software (servers and databases), initial investment is very low and is confined to implementation costs and some light weight workstations.
  4. Operating cost: The monthly fee incurred on use of web based EMR software systems can be written off as operating cost and is not treated as a capital expenditure.
  5. Access from anywhere: You have access from any where in the world that has internet connectivity. Your physical location is not a constraint.
  6. Data protection: The vendor of the web based EMR software system is responsible for ensuring that your data is protected against hardware and software failures. This often requires use of expensive fault-tolerant hardware and sophisticated data backup software.
  7. No installation or upgrades: You do not have to install the EMR software or any of the upgrades. It is all handled by the vendor of web based EMR software.
  8. Multiple locations: If you operate from multiple locations, then instead of creating a dedicated WAN which will be quite expensive, web based EMR system may be the best option, provided you have high speed connectivity from all the satellite locations.
 
Disadvantages of web based EMR Software
  1. Limited customization: It is very likely that the web based EMR software systems will offer limited customization.
  2. Limited interfaces: Web based EMR software systems do offer interfaces with other applications like medical billing software but it is often through third party software components. Full practice automation may be difficult.
  3. Location: The server is hosted remotely and you have no direct access to the server.
  4. Total investment: Since the usage of web based EMR requires a monthly fee which is recurring and resembles perpetuity, they end up costing more than the client-server based EMR software systems.
  5. High speed connectivity expenses: You will require full T1 or at least ½ T1 depending on the number of providers in your office. As compared to traditional DSL or cable connectivity, T1 connectivity is expensive and adds $300 to $600 per month to your recurring expense.
  6. Charting speed: Even with fast internet connection (T1), you may often find your EMR system crawling during certain times of the day. It impacts your charting speed and you may take longer to finish up with your patients.
  7. Dependence on connectivity: You are completely dependent on high speed internet connectivity. If you stay in areas frequented by cyclones or other forces of nature which impacts network connectivity, you will find your self handicapped with a web based EMR software system.
  8. No control over or access to data: When things do not go right with vendors of web based EMR software systems, and you want to switch, you may find yourself starting from scratch. It is therefore a good idea to request periodic backups of data on an ongoing basis.

Does Client-Server based EMR Software make more sense from your perspective?

 

Choosing an appropriate EMR Software deployment

Technology is forever evolving and whatever seems unpractical today can become feasible tomorrow. When you work with RevenueXL, our professional, independent and unbiased consultants will present you with all EMR software deployment options with pros and cons so that you can make your own most well informed and final decision.