An electronic health record (EHR) system is a digital version of a patient’s medical history. EHRs can include a wide variety of information, such as demographics, medical history, medications, immunizations, laboratory test results, and radiology images.
There are many different types of electronic health record systems available, from simple systems that only store basic patient information to more complex systems that can track a patient’s care across multiple providers.
Some EHR systems are designed for specific types of care, such as mental health or long-term care, and others are more general and can be used in a variety of care settings. The electronic health record system you choose for your practice will significantly impact your workflow, staff productivity, and patient care.
What Are the Different Types of Electronic Health Record Systems?
There are three main types of electronic health record (EHR) systems: web-based, client-server, and hybrid.
Web-based EHRs are accessed through a web browser, while client-server EHRs have proprietary software and are exclusively installed on a computer or server. Client-server EHRs are usually inaccessible from other devices (e.g., tablets, smartphones, or off-site computers).
Hybrid EHRs are a combination of the two, with data being stored both on-site and in the cloud and accessible from on-premise workstations and mobile devices.
Each type of EHR system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Client-server EHRs are usually more expensive, but they can be customized to meet the needs of a specific practice. Hybrid EHRs offer the best of both worlds.
Web-Based EHRs
There are many benefits to using a web-based electronic health record (EHR) system. One of the biggest advantages is accessing your EHR from anywhere with an internet connection.
This means that you can see your patient’s health information from anywhere, at any time, whether you are in your medical clinic, in your home office, or consulting at a local hospital.
Another advantage of using a web-based EHR is that you can share information with other providers easily and securely. Web-based EHRs are also typically more affordable than traditional on-premise EHRs.
Web-based EHRs are typically more affordable than client-server or hybrid EHRs, but they may not be as user-friendly. Since patient data is being stored off-site, you will need to ensure that the solution you choose has HIPAA-compliant security protocols.
Client-Server EHRs
There are many reasons why healthcare organizations might choose to implement a client-server electronic health record (EHR) system. One primary reason is that client-server EHR systems can provide more flexibility and control than other types of EHR systems.
With a client-server EHR system, the organization can choose which server(s) to use and customize the software to meet their specific needs. Additionally, client-server EHR systems typically require less ongoing maintenance than other types of EHR systems.
Another advantage of client-server EHR systems is that they can be more scalable than other EHR systems. If an organization’s needs change or if the organization grows, it can usually add additional servers or workstations as needed.
There are a few potential disadvantages to using a client-server electronic health record system. One is that if the server goes down or there is some other type of network issue, then clinicians will not be able to access patient records.
Another potential disadvantage is that client-server EHR systems can be more expensive to implement and maintain than other types of EHR systems.
Finally, client-server EHR systems can be complex to set up, and they may require more IT support than other types of EHR systems.
Hybrid EHRs
Hybrid electronic health record systems (EHRs) are electronic health records that use both local and cloud-based storage. This type of system can offer the best of both worlds for medical practices: the convenience of cloud-based EHRs with the added security of local storage.
There are many pros to hybrid EHR systems. One advantage is that they are very customizable and scalable. This means that they can be tailored to fit the specific needs of any healthcare organization and can grow as your organization grows.
Another pro is that they can seamlessly integrate with other systems, such as Practice Management (PM) and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems. This allows for a more streamlined workflow and eliminates the need for duplicate data entry.
The cons of hybrid EHR systems include the fact that multiple entry points mean more avenues are available for a data breach, and security is a bigger concern, especially regarding HIPAA compliance.
Another disadvantage is that maintenance becomes a bigger job when you have several copies of your documents (one in the cloud, one on your server, and any printed paper copies), which means more work to ensure that they are all consistent with one another.
The Importance of a Good Document Management System
Whichever type of electronic health record system you choose for your medical practice, the key to success with any EHR is document management and organization – especially if you are digitizing your patient paper records for the first time.
You will need document management software that can work with your current or prospective EHR to organize and manage all of your documents, either as you scan them in or as they are being electronically imported into your new system.
That’s where Go Find It comes in. We have built a comprehensive and secure cloud-based document management system to help you seamlessly upload, organize, and share patient records and extend your electronic health record software’s capabilities.
