Go Paperless With Electronic Medical Records (emr) Software

In our heterogeneous healthcare system, we have endless number of medical professionals, all practicing differently, using different medical billing systems, having different levels of computer proficiency and workflows. Sadly, over 50% of practitioners still follow the patent practice management system, dealing with tons of nerve-wrecking paperwork on daily basis.

Today, the medical software market is brimming with a wide range of highly sophisticated and viable emr applications that help doctors in managing their patient information, practice profile and financial records with utmost convenience and security.

Like any other product, EMR software programs are two kinds:-

- Client or Server-based EMR system and
- ASP or Web-based EMR system.

1. Server/Client based EMR system
This is the most popular medical records software wherein the program is hosted on the vendor's site. Client/server-based personal medical software may also be hosted on the in-house medical billing system.

Pros

• Faster overall operational speed.
• No dependency on internet connection.
• Better integration with imaging devices (scanners, printers) and on-site resources.
• Control over your own data.

Cons

• Higher upfront cost of ownership as a server and software must be purchased upfront.
• Online backup must be purchased as add-on 3rd party software.
• Remote access to EMR is limited in functionality and is more complex.
• Manual product updates are usually required (not in all cases).

2. ASP or Web-based EMR system
A web-based medical office billing software runs right off the web server. For this type, all you need is an internet connection.

Pros

• System is maintained by IT professionals remotely, reducing the cost of maintenance.
• Accessible anywhere in the world from any computer with an internet connection Dependant on internet connection.
• Online backup service.
• Low initial cost of ownership.

Cons

• Risk of company not performing routine maintenance (backup, updates, performance enhancements) as promised.
• Risk of data being inaccessible in the event company goes bankrupt. You don't control your data.
• If your internet connection goes down you cannot use your system.

Both upfront and ongoing costs have been critical factors in the lagging EMR adoption rate. But best things in life come with a price. However, one time investment in reliable practice management software seems quiet miniscule against the lifetime advantage of running your practice much effortlessly and efficiently.

Electronic Medical Record software solutions are still in their early adoption phase by private practice physicians. With noticeable migration at this point, it is difficult to judge which is better - Web or Server based emr software? Doing some research can assist doctors in taking informed decisions on what is or isn't important to their practice.

Houston Medical's client-based medical software has been designed to meet all the Financial, Claiming, Administrative, and Clinical requirements of today's healthcare professionals. From a private practice to hospitals, the practice management program covers a wide range of functions and options used in billing and accounts payable management. This one-size-fits-all system is user-defined to suit every practice type, accommodate every level of patient information and process complex financial data.

Houston VIP has proved to be an invaluable tool for almost every practice type operating in New Zealand and Australia. To learn more about the company and its products, you may visit www.houstonmedical.net