Family medical records software – online or in-house?

An important decision to make when choosing family medical records software is where you want the system hosted. If you run it in-house, the solution is usually referred to as a client-server system; vendor-run applications are referred to as application service provider (ASP) or hosted solutions.

Client-server family medical records software
Client-server software runs on your computer, and stores the data either on your hard drive or on a network server in your office. This familiar setup gives you the greatest control over every aspect of your electronic family medical records software. Client-server solutions also tend to offer more comprehensive feature sets. However, running the system in house puts the burden of security and backups on your staff.

ASP solutions
In an ASP solution, both the application and data reside on the vendor’s servers, and your staff can access them via the Internet, either through a web browser or specialized client software. The main advantage is that they are maintained by IT professionals at the vendor’s office. Multiple layers of firewalls and security, uninterruptible power supplies, and complete backup systems combine to virtually guarantee that your family medical records software and data will always be secure and available.

The biggest risk of online solutions is that they require a broadband Internet connection at all times. Since no Internet connection works 100% of the time – your internal network may fail, your ISP may experience an outage, or an Internet worm may cause congestion – you may not always be able to access the system. These types of outages are rare but possible.

Which is right for you?
Client-server software is a much more familiar setup to most users, and it makes up the vast majority of currently installed family medical records software. However, the ASP model is gaining popularity, particularly among smaller practices.

The pricing (http://www.buyerzone.com/software/electronic-records/bps-emr-prices.html) may make the difference. If you choose the client-server route, you’ll pay a larger lump sum upfront to buy and set up the system, including software and servers. With online providers, payment is based on a smaller setup fee and ongoing monthly payments based on usage.

Another deciding point is your employees. If you have in-house staffers with computer expertise, a client-server solution may be your best option – but make sure you involve them in the purchasing decision. Smaller practices with little to no computer expertise are probably better off choosing an ASP solution.

If you’re unsure which family medical records software to choose, BuyerZone can help. Just submit a free request for EMR Software quotes, and get matched to as many as six different providers who will help you weigh the various pros and cons of each solution.