A cloud-based EHR system is run on dedicated servers installed outside of a medical facility. A third-party vendor maintains cloud servers. Cloud-based EHR software can be accessed from any location via the Internet.
CLOUD EHR SOFTWARE: BASICS
EHR (electronic health record) software systems allow medical professionals to log information about new patients, effectively creating a digital record that updates with each subsequent visit from that particular patient. The records include medical prescriptions, laboratory results, x-rays, family medical history, and many more vital details.
Cloud-Based EHR Software: Key Facts
A cloud-based EHR system is simple: think of the traditional server-based EHR system but with more flexibility, accessibility, and off-site access and storage. The ability to maintain a patient's health records via the Internet is essentially what makes cloud-based EHR a more cost-effective and scalable solution.
A cloud server is located in a remote location and is managed by a third-party vendor.
The three key peculiarities that define cloud-based EHR solutions include the following:
- EHR software can be accessed from any location via the Internet
- All servers and databases are managed by a third-party service provider
- The storage capacity and computing power can be scaled up/down upon a need
Doctors and clinic staff get data mining capabilities to examine patient data to identify various potential illness factors. As such, the majority of native web solutions are designed with input from industry professionals, therefore allowing the features to match the needs of those working within the industry.
The statistics that highlight the cloud-based EHR software adoption trend are as follows.
- 56% of healthcare providers use cloud-based EHR systems
- 72% of doctors highlight Internet-based data access as the #1 benefit
- 85% of patients say that cloud-based solutions are more convenient to use
- 68% of healthcare providers noticed improved medical data interoperability
- 80% is the average downtime decrease when switching to cloud-based EHR software
Benefits of Using a Cloud-Based EHR System
The benefits of cloud-based EHR systems help healthcare providers cut spending, improve system scalability, and enhance security.
Resource and cost reduction
Resources would be significantly reduced if a practice opts for cloud-based software. Rather than using IT resources for configurations and setup, the SaaS provider will do this internally for you. Updates are also automatic, so there’s no need to worry about falling behind with your systems.
A small-scale medical practice may readily implement a cloud-based system because it is much cheaper to maintain and run. Cloud-based EHR systems are much cheaper to run in terms of costs, one of the key factors that small-sized medical organizations consider.
Ability to scale effectively
Cloud-based systems enable small-scale medical practices to expand without needing a massive IT department. This software allows users to add new users, physicians, and locations for easier accessibility. Due to the flexibility of this software, it allows a stable expansion without high investment costs.
Ease of implementation
Cloud-based systems operate via the web (as opposed to traditional solutions, which run on servers). As such, there is no software or hardware installation, allowing practices to receive a faster ROI rate and prevent any interruption to their cash flows and processes.
Improved security and access
Since this is a web-based software, users can access information remotely- without physically needing to be on-premise. Authorized users are allowed to securely access vital information that allows for a continuation of patient monitoring and care. Cloud-based EHR security utilizes the full capabilities of cloud computing- with the cloud provider implementing their own security policies and guaranteeing the safety of your data.
CLOUD-BASED VS. ON-PREMISE EHR SYSTEMS
Explore the benefits of cloud-based EHR software by comparing it with on-premises solutions. Discover the pros and cons of each solution below.
Cloud-Based EHR Software
The advantages of using a cloud-based EHR include enabling many different practitioners to monitor their patient records; even chiropractic EHR systems linked via the cloud allow for such measures. Also, with the advancement and capabilities of cloud computing, cloud-based EHR security has become more and more secure.
One of the larger disadvantages of cloud-based EHRs is that they lack on-site data storage capabilities, as cloud-based EHRs options store their data remotely. Another possible disadvantage is that the cloud-based EHR vendors retain control over client data storage.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy setup and less up-front costs | Potential lag or latency when accessing info |
| Scalable and sophisticated security measures | The danger of losing data if the vendor closes |
| HIPAA-compliance | Security and backup options are controlled by the vendor |
On-Premise EHR Software
On-site systems may be suitable for larger premises or locations that lack a high-speed internet connection. Even though a premise may lack high-speed Internet, the client may customize the on-site solution so that it allows offline usage, albeit at an extra charge. Implementation is very customizable, but that also makes for a higher-cost option.
| Pros | Cons |
| Servers and data are all stored on-site | The cost of implementation is relatively high, especially for smaller practices |
| Information and data are securely stored on-site | Data may be damaged or compromised in the event of an accident or disaster on-site |
| Complete control over how and when data is stored | Software updates usually come at an additional cost |
CLOUD-BASE EHR IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
The six main EHR cloud-based software implementation steps are as follows.
1. Requirements Analysis and Planning
Involve a business analyst to identify the needs of your healthcare organization. Define the challenges of the existing system and outline cloud-based EHR software development tasks.
The BA expert can help interview stakeholders, elicit requirements, and decompose tasks into user stories. Also, the expert helps identify project goals and “definition of done” for features.
2. EHR System Architecture
Involve a solution architect and share technical requirements. Tech experts need to select the best technologies for developing and implementing cloud-based EHR solutions. Also, they need to define third-party services to integrate. Compose a UX design of a cloud-based EHR system by creating wireframes.
3. Cloud Provider Selection
Analyze the offers of cloud service providers and select the best vendor. Check the price tiers, integrated features, security measures, compliance standards, support, and other crucial factors.
4. EHR Development and Implementation
Onboard software engineers and project managers team to develop a cloud-based EHR system from scratch. Implement secure data-sharing protocols and ensure the EHR system complies with regulatory requirements. Also, integrate third-party services using API.
5. Testing
Involve quality assurance (QA) experts in reviewing the developed cloud-based EHR software. They need to inspect the application and report detected bugs or security issues. All the issues and flaws need to be fixed by software engineers.
6. Release
Configure a cloud server and database. Release an EHR system and migrate health data. Check the functionality of the cloud-based EHR system in a real-world environment.
CONCLUSION
It’s safe to say that cloud-based EHR software is the way to go. Systems such as Epic, a cloud-based EHR, are HIPAA compliant — something that web-based EHRs are in abundance. Remember, the best cloud-based EHRs are the ones that suit you and your organization’s needs — just refer back to our EHR cloud vs server comparison.
Finally, cloud-based EHR solutions offer more accessibility, savings, and security to a variety of users. Medical practices must now start shifting towards cloud-based tech and understand the benefits that they bring.
The concept of a cloud-based EHR system is simple: think of the traditional server-based EHR system, but more accessible with off-site access and storage.
EMR is essentially a digitized version of a patient's chart, whereas EHR provides a full view of a patient's full medical record.
Cost efficiency, scalability, accessibility, ease of implementation, and reduction of IT resources. You may read more here.
The three main features that distinguish cloud-based EHR software are:
- Software is accessed via the Internet
- Dedicated servers are fully maintained by a vendor
- Cloud servers can be easily scaled up/down
Follow the six steps to develop and implement a cloud-based EHR solution.
- Requirements analysis and planning
- EHR system architecture
- Cloud provider selection
- EHR development and implementation
- Testing
- Release
