07 May 10 Benefits of Moving Your EHR System to the Cloud
So, you don’t trust the cloud? Moving your EHR system to the cloud from a local server is an important decision, and we understand the uncertainty that follows. However, there are many benefits that happen when you migrate to ophthalmology or optometry cloud-hosted or cloud-based EHR software that you may not know about.
In McAfee’s Practical Guidance and the State of Cloud Security Report, 1,400 IT decision-makers who use public and private cloud services revealed these insights: 65% have a cloud-first strategy and 69% trust the public cloud to keep their sensitive data secure.
There are a variety of reasons we encourage existing and potential clients to move their EHR system to the cloud. Saving money is a big one, as is being able to access exciting features that are only available in the cloud.
Whether you’re concerned about data security or losing control, here is a list of benefits you can enjoy when you move your EHR system to the cloud.
The Many Benefits of a Cloud EHR System
1. Save Thousands in Hardware and IT Costs
Since there are no servers to install, maintain, or backup your EHR, you don’t need to worry about spending substantial amounts of your budget on hardware or IT. A server typically must be replaced every couple of years. Computers certainly don’t last forever and usually need to be upgraded every three to five years.
You also don’t have to hire an IT person internally or externally to manage everything. EHR software on the cloud is easy to use and maintain, no matter your level of technical expertise.
TIP: Consider using a Micro PC with a wireless mouse and keyboard—they are designed to fit in space-confined areas. Micro PCs are portable, relatively inexpensive, and they work great with cloud-hosted EHR software.
“MaximEyes Cloud cut $1,500 a month in IT service costs at just one of my three offices. I can access my schedule and patient data anywhere on my tablet, laptop, and phone so I can focus on providing better patient care.” – Mark Rosanova, MD (View Video)
2. Automated Backup and Software Updates
When you’re using EHR software hosted in the cloud, it’s painless to stay on top of necessary software updates and patches because they happen automatically. On a local server, this is a manual process that is time-consuming—and often, important backups and updates slip through the cracks, putting your systems and data at risk.
3. Secure Backup and Disaster Recovery
You might worry that patient data will be stolen, fret over what will happen if the internet goes down or wonder how your eye care practice will survive a security breach. In the cloud, you actually have more peace of mind. “56% are not concerned about the security of the data contained in their EHR system and the potential for a breach,” according to The ModernMedicine Network.
Here’s why: in the cloud, data is centrally stored in a private and secure encrypted data center. On your local server, that isn’t always the case. You must make sure you’re doing the appropriate backup—often your staff will just do the backup internally.
What happens if you have a fire in the office and lose everything? Cloud-hosted ophthalmology and optometry EHR software saves the information, regardless of any natural or unforeseen disasters. Because data is stored centrally, you have stronger security and easier recovery.
“We especially like that MaximEyes EHR Cloud doesn’t share our data with other practices in one common database—making it even more privacy-friendly and eliminating potential risks for accidental data sharing. By migrating to the cloud versus storing data in-house, we didn’t have to purchase an expensive server and other hardware.” – Christopher Weber, OD (Read Success Story)
4. Greater Accessibility with Any Device
You have better remote access from most mobile devices, PCs and Macs when you’re working with a cloud-based EHR solution. Through a patient portal, you can send and receive secure messages and share medical records with patients. Other important online tools—like scheduling, bill pay, and medical history forms—are easily accessible.
5. Improved Connectivity Across Multiple Locations
You enjoy multiple location support and connectivity with a cloud-based optometry EHR system. Even if you have satellite offices in Milwaukee and Boston, everyone can connect easily. Because all data is centralized in one location: the cloud.
6. Keep Information Updated and Accurate
It’s common for eye care practices to experience internal changes, such as bringing on new associates or opening additional office locations. When you need to update users in your cloud-hosted EHR system, it’s much easier to add licenses and support. A local server is much more involved—the cloud is quicker for making information changes so everything stays up-to-date.
7. Minimize IT Impact to Existing Technical Staff
You don’t have to hire IT staff when you migrate your EHR system to the cloud since you aren’t dealing with servers. If other issues should arise, your EHR software provider is able to log into the system and fix things quickly. This benefit is especially helpful for smaller eye care practices who don’t have the budget for an IT staff or don’t have the IT experience internally to deal with complicated hardware and servers.
According to the 2018 Software Advice Practice Management Software Buyer Report, 99% prefer cloud deployment over on-premise deployment for their practice management and EHR software.
“We love the speed of MaximEyes Cloud and no longer worry about IT expenses, backups and lost data.” – William Tullo, OD (View Video)
8. Quickly Scale Up or Down As Needed
When your eye care practice is growing rapidly, you need more cloud storage to support that growth. Just like your experience with your smartphone, you receive a convenient message when you’re running out of room. It’s very easy to add additional space to the cloud to store more data.
The same ease is possible when scaling down. If you lose a doctor or downsize locations, you can decrease the amount of data storage in your cloud.
9. Secure Files Hosted Offsite at a HIPAA-Compliant Location
What do you do if there is a break-in at your office and computers are stolen? One thing you don’t need to worry about when your EHR system is in the cloud: your files. You lose everything if data isn’t backed up on a local server. The cloud keeps your files safe and secure at a HIPAA-compliant location, and you can easily access patient data anytime.
10. Lessen Energy Costs and Environmental Footprint
With cloud-hosted EHR software, there are no additional energy costs. Larger data centers are more energy efficient, which make them more environmentally sustainable overall. When you host in the cloud, not only do you save money, you also lessen your environmental footprint.
MaximEyes Cloud Software Makes a Difference
Cloud-hosted optometry and ophthalmology EHR is the right move when you need an integrated solution that is secure and widely accessible. We hope you’ll consider the many benefits of moving your EHR system to MaximEyes Cloud. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have a stronger foundation for your growing eye care practice.
Ready to migrate your EHR system to MaximEyes Cloud? Let’s discuss the benefits for your eye care practice.