| In our heterogeneous healthcare system, we | | | | party software. |
| have endless number of medical professionals, all | | | | - Remote access to EMR is limited in functionality |
| practicing differently, using different medical billing | | | | and is more complex. |
| systems, having different levels of computer | | | | - Manual product updates are usually required (not |
| proficiency and workflows. Sadly, over 50% of | | | | in all cases). |
| practitioners still follow the patent practice | | | | 2. ASP or Web-based EMR system |
| management system, dealing with tons of | | | | A web-based medical office billing software runs |
| nerve-wrecking paperwork on daily basis. | | | | right off the web server. For this type, all you |
| Today, the medical software market is brimming | | | | need is an internet connection. |
| with a wide range of highly sophisticated and | | | | Pros |
| viable emr applications that help doctors in | | | | - System is maintained by IT professionals |
| managing their patient information, practice profile | | | | remotely, reducing the cost of maintenance. |
| and financial records with utmost convenience and | | | | - Accessible anywhere in the world from any |
| security. | | | | computer with an internet connection Dependant |
| Like any other product, EMR software programs | | | | on internet connection. |
| are two kinds:- | | | | - Online backup service. |
| - Client or Server-based EMR system and | | | | - Low initial cost of ownership. |
| - ASP or Web-based EMR system. | | | | Cons |
| 1. Server/Client based EMR system | | | | - Risk of company not performing routine |
| This is the most popular medical records software | | | | maintenance (backup, updates, performance |
| wherein the program is hosted on the vendor's | | | | enhancements) as promised. |
| site. Client/server-based personal medical | | | | - Risk of data being inaccessible in the event |
| software may also be hosted on the in-house | | | | company goes bankrupt. You don't control your |
| medical billing system. | | | | data. |
| Pros | | | | - If your internet connection goes down you |
| - Faster overall operational speed. | | | | cannot use your system. |
| - No dependency on internet connection. | | | | Both upfront and ongoing costs have been critical |
| - Better integration with imaging devices | | | | factors in the lagging EMR adoption rate. But best |
| (scanners, printers) and on-site resources. | | | | things in life come with a price. However, one |
| - Control over your own data. | | | | time investment in reliable practice management |
| Cons | | | | software seems quiet miniscule against the |
| - Higher upfront cost of ownership as a server | | | | lifetime advantage of running your practice much |
| and software must be purchased upfront. | | | | effortlessly and efficiently. |
| - Online backup must be purchased as add-on 3rd | | | | |