What is Cloud Computing for EMR?

Back in 2005, Thomas Friedman wrote a book entitled, “The World is Flat.” Since the initial publication, there have been two subsequent updates. The title of Mr. Friedman’s book is a metaphor for viewing the world as a level playing field in terms of business. One of the ways the world has really become “flat” is through communication, particularly as it relates to the Internet. Yes, Mr. Friedman does clearly articulate that we need to make changes to remain competitive. This statement certainly applies to the healthcare profession. We have seen the changes; movement to EMR, hospitals buying practices, fewer primary care doctors, etc. just to name a few.

What does all this mean to the healthcare profession? First of all the Internet has opened the world to everyone. Nearly anything you want to know can be asked and answered on the Internet. It also provides a method for having applications hosted away from your office. This process today is known as “cloud computing.” Today, over 40% of our clients utilize us to host their applications. By utilizing cloud computing, practices no longer need to invest in expensive servers or maintain and backup these servers. These services are all provided by the hosting company.

Next year, eligible practices will be entitled to receive funds as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) by successfully using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and meeting the meaningful use guidelines. What does this mean to you in regards to our subject, the World is Flat? With EMR, a provider can have access to their patient records nearly any place they have Internet access. If a doctor is at home and he receives a call, he can safely access or document a patient’s record. Basically, the Internet provides independence, yet accessibility to any patient’s record any time, from nearly any internet connection. Furthermore, more information, as well as referral letters, can be shared between practices almost immediately.

Today, practices are also looking for ways to enhance efficiency. Most practices will have a patient complete a patient information form. Typically, this information is either: 1) completed at the office; 2) sent to the patient and hopefully completed when the visit occurs or 3) the practice provides the forms on the practice web page and the patient completes and brings the form to the practice at the time of the appointment. Regardless of which method the practice employs, the staff is still responsible for doing the continuous data entry of all this information. With an interactive web portal, these forms can be completed on-line, eliminating much of the data entry and yet you can still create rules that minimize errors and faulty information.

We encourage practices to become more connected. We have partnered with Allsource Telecom to assist practices to enhance and safely expand their broadband capabilities. Please take a moment to read Brian Bohde’s (of Allsource) article (http://www.ranac.com/CloudServices.html) dealing with this subject.

2011 is rapidly around the corner. Much has, is and will be changing this coming year. We do want to be your partner. As Thomas Friedman wrote, the world is flat, let’s see how that can benefit your practice. Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday season.

- Keith Pitzele -
President
317.844.0141 ext. 224
800.844.0141 ext. 224
Direct #: 317.819.1822
keithpitzele@ranac.com