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Knowledge is power: Boost your data security strategy

In the hustle of running a busy practice, safeguarding your software might not always be top of mind. But healthcare IT security risks can pose a real threat to your business. That’s why we’ve put together essential tips to help defend your data. Discover the distinctions between cloud and server-based platforms and learn how to effectively protect your practice and patients.

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Choosing the right EHR hosting platform

Learn the differences between on-premise and server-based software to understand which system may be best for your practice. Discover the benefits and risks of each and explore how your decision could impact your security, budget, staffing and scalability.

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Working off servers vs. the cloud

Dive into the nuts and bolts of the server vs. cloud decision with this quick, comprehensive guide. Evaluate cost-effectiveness, convenience and maintenance to help clarify which option to choose to prioritize data security and support practice growth.

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Your EHR security checklist

Does your platform offer role-based access? How are redundancy and replication implemented? Knowing what questions to ask EHR providers on how they mitigate security risks could be a key differentiator. Our checklist prepares you with questions to ask.

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Build your data security strategy

Hear from IT experts on best practices for safeguarding your data when switching software systems, and learn how ModMed prioritizes security.

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Get started modernizing the business of medicine at your practice

The decision to use a server or cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) can shape your medical practice for years to come. While server systems offer local control, cloud options provide scalability and reduced maintenance. Modern practices may find that cloud-based systems align best with their efficiency and growth goals. We’ll examine both options here to help you determine the best fit for your practice’s future.

A quick primer on EHR infrastructure

Your EHR infrastructure forms the backbone of your practice’s digital operations. It includes physical or virtual servers that store and process data, cloud resources for computing and your software applications, like your EHR or practice management solutions.

Your software may also connect to application programming interfaces (APIs) that enable information exchange and support interoperability between different healthcare systems.

How server-based EHRs work

Server-based EHRs involve on-site hardware that stores and processes data. This approach offers direct control over your infrastructure, allowing you to customize your system and keep sensitive data entirely on your practice’s physical premises. As a result, these systems require a higher upfront investment and ongoing, hands-on management by information technology (IT) professionals.

While servers can provide fast local network performance, they may face challenges with remote access and interoperability. Practices using server-based systems are responsible for their own data backups, disaster recovery plans and compliance with evolving healthcare regulations.

How cloud-based EHRs work

Cloud-based EHRs use remote servers managed by your EHR provider. These systems deliver computing resources over the internet, reducing the need for on-site hardware and maintenance. The cloud infrastructure typically consists of multiple data centers with redundant systems, ensuring high availability and performance.

EHRs on the cloud receive certain automatic updates so practices can use the latest EHR version with minimal disrputions to operations. These updates may include new features, security patches and compliance updates to meet evolving healthcare regulations. They provide robust data protection, including regular backups and geographically dispersed data storage.

By enabling secure remote access through encrypted connections, cloud EHRs can facilitate telemedicine and support compliant work-from-home scenarios. This remote capability extends to mobile devices, allowing healthcare providers to access patient information securely from smartphones or tablets.

Remote capabilities may be possible with server-based EHRs, too, but they could require more complex setup and maintenance. Cloud-based EHRs are typically designed with remote access in mind, which could make them more flexible and secure.

Growing with cloud EHRs

Cloud-based EHRs scale easily as practices grow, letting you add users, locations and modules without major IT changes. By comparison, server-based systems may require new hardware for expansion, which can be costly and disruptive.

Cloud EHR costs typically grow with your practice, making financial planning easier. Even as you grow, these systems may cost less overall because there’s no need for your own hardware or IT staff.

Subscriptions usually cover support, maintenance and updates, saving you more time and resources. Cloud EHRs also work well with other systems, making it easier to share patient data and join health information exchanges.

How to switch from server to cloud

From a technical perspective, switching to cloud-based EHRs involves data migration and system configuration. Data migration transfers patient records, appointment histories and billing information to the new system. System configuration lets you set up your EHR to match with your practice’s workflow preferences.

An implementation team is key to a smooth transition. This team, which can include project managers, data and integration experts and others, helps manage change, providing role-based training and working to minimize downtime. They also help staff feel comfortable with the new system, allowing your practice to quickly benefit from your cloud-based EHR while maintaining quality patient care.

A successful EHR implementation involves a team of project managers for personalized change management, technical experts for data conversions and integrations, trainers for customized role-based training, and business consultants for optimizing workflows and developing future state plans.

Success story: Capital Digestive Care

Capital Digestive Care, a gastroenterology practice with 60 physicians, 14 mid-level providers, and 28 locations, moved from a server-based EHR to the cloud-based gGastro® system.

“Since switching to the cloud, we’ve experienced significant improvements, such as increased performance and less downtime, plus issues are quickly addressed,” said Chief Information and Security Officer David Smith. “We’ve also saved over $200,000 in hardware and software upgrades, so it’s been financially strategic for our organization.” ¹

The practice, which transitioned to the cloud with only 24 hours of downtime, anticipates ongoing annual savings of approximately $120,000.¹

¹ The statements and conclusions contained herein reflect the opinions of David Smith and not those of ModMed. ModMed makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of any such information. Results may vary depending on medical practice size, product usage and other variables.

This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult with your legal counsel and other qualified advisors to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

I am modernizing the business of medicine

Knowledge is power: Boost your data security strategy

Choosing the right EHR hosting platform

Working off servers vs. the cloud

Your EHR security checklist

Build your data security strategy

Additional resources

Marketing your practice

Business growth

Art of communication

Get started modernizing the business of medicine at your practice

A quick primer on EHR infrastructure

How server-based EHRs work

How cloud-based EHRs work

Growing with cloud EHRs

How to switch from server to cloud

Success story: Capital Digestive Care

Defend your data

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Gastroenterology

OBGYN

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Otolaryngology

Pain Management

Plastic Surgery

Podiatry

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Choose your specialty below to learn more

Allergy

Dermatology

Gastroenterology

OBGYN

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Otolaryngology

Pain Management

Plastic Surgery

Podiatry

Urology

See how much time you could save.

Get a demo.

Select your specialty to take the quiz.

Dermatology

Gastroenterology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Otolaryngology

Pain Management

Plastic Surgery

Urology

Select your specialty to take the quiz.

Dermatology

Gastroenterology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Otolaryngology

Pain Management

Plastic Surgery

Urology

Select your specialty to take the quiz.