Cloud EHR vs On-Premises EHR: The Ultimate Comparison

EHR systems are important for healthcare practices no matter of small-scale clinics or large-scale healthcare organizations. Nearly 9 in 10, which means 88% of U.S. office-based physicians adopted any electronic health record as of 2021.

However adopting an EHR system is not just another passing trend, it is a major shift in how practice is used to manage patient data. According to market data, cloud-based solutions are becoming more and more popular, therefore now is a good moment for medical practices to switch. 

However, on-premises EHR also stands as a choice for most practices due to some advantages it offers. So, which one is the right one for your practice? This blog post shares the ultimate comparison between Cloud EHR and On-Premises EHR.

Importance of EHR adoption in modern healthcare

Adopting EHR is not just another trend. Healthcare is more critical and crucial, and the aspects involved in healthcare are more sensitive such as patient data.

Managing and accessing this type of sensitive patient data is more important to ensure everything is secure and smooth healthcare delivery.

This is why EHR adoption is more important in modern healthcare. 

Moreover, healthcare providers have more operations than caring for patients, they have to maintain comprehensive patient data, medical documentation, and so on.

EHR software has various features and capabilities that help to streamline each aspect of healthcare providers’ workflow.

Here are some key reasons why EHR adoption is crucial in modern healthcare:

• EHRs allow healthcare providers to access patient information instantly
• Automated alerts and reminders within EHRs can help prevent mistakes
• Integrated platforms streamline communication between healthcare providers.
• Advanced tools automate tasks like appointment scheduling, report generation, and billing.
• Automation in administrative processes reduces operational costs.
• Clinical decision support tools offer real-time assistance for better decision-making.
• Health record systems support large-scale research and data analysis efforts.

Related: Overcoming Challenges: Cloud-Based EHR Adoption in Rural Hospitals

The Basics of Cloud EHR and On-Premises EHR

This basic understanding of Cloud EHR and On-Premises EHR is therefore important before getting into the comparison.

A cloud-based EHR system will be hosted on remote servers that are accessible over the Internet. Within a healthcare facility, an on-premises EHR system will be installed and run on local servers.

• Cloud-based EHR follows a subscription model whereas, on-premises EHR involves huge investments in terms of hardware and IT staff.
• The vendor handles updates, security, and infrastructure for cloud-based EHR solutions while Practices are responsible for updates and security On-premises.
• The Cloud EHR should only be accessed over the Internet, whereas on-premises is accessible even when the Internet is down.

Key Factors to Consider While Choosing Between Cloud EHR and On-Premises EHR

Several factors have to be considered in choosing between the two types of EHR systems, including EHR implementation cost and time, data security, interoperability, among more.

1. Cost of Implementation

• Cloud-based EHR software is initially low-cost because it requires a laptop with an internet connection.
• On-premises EHR has high upfront costs, including IT infrastructure, Installation, hardware, and software costs.
• However, Cloud EHR may incur a higher Total Cost of Ownership over time while on-premises may result in lower annual costs.

Related: What Makes Vozo EHR Stand Out Among Other EHRs?

2. Implementation Time

• Implementing Cloud EHR in healthcare practice is so easy and quickly adaptable.
• Practices can instantly choose a suitable subscription plan for healthcare practice and on-board.
• On-premises EHR often requires a more extended setup period.

3. Data Security and Privacy

• Cloud-based EHR systems are often more vulnerable to data breaches.
• On-premises EHR solutions are considered more secure but the organization should maintain security protocol.

4. Interoperability and Integration

• Cloud EHRs are generally more compatible with other cloud systems and can be integrated with various apps more easily. 
• On-premise solutions often face challenges in this area.

5. Scalability and Customization

• Cloud-based systems can be scaled effortlessly. 
• However, scaling on-premise solutions may require additional extensions.
• Cloud-based systems offer limited customization options set by the vendor. 
• On-premise solutions allow for extensive customization to meet the company’s specific needs.

6. Data Backup and Safety

• The vendor is usually responsible for data security and backups in cloud-based approaches. 
• With on-premise solutions, the organization must plan for backups and disaster recovery.

7. Accessibility and Data Management

• Cloud-based EHRs require a stable internet connection and offer remote access. 
• On-premise systems do not require constant internet connectivity but are not accessible remotely. 
• Cloud-based systems offer limited data management options. 
• On-premise solutions allow centralized data control within the organization.

8. Performance and Reliability

• Cloud-based EHRs rely on third-party servers. 
• This makes them potentially less reliable for practices without a stable high-speed connection.
• According to a survey, downtime across major cloud service providers ranged from 2 to 17 hours, whereas on-premise systems showed an average unplanned downtime of 86 minutes across industries.
• This highlights a disparity in reliability, especially in environments with limited broadband access.

Vozo EHR for your Healthcare Practices

From managing and organizing patient health records digitally to reducing medical errors, it significantly empowers providers to improve healthcare quality. 

If you are searching for the best EHR system for your healthcare practice, Vozo EHR can be your go-to choice. Our comprehensive EHR solution lets you focus more on patient care while carrying all the burdens and simplifying it.

• Vozo Cloud EHR’s cost-effective cloud subscription benefits all levels of practice.
• Our feature-rich EHR helps you rectify mistakes efficiently and speed up the process.
• Vozo Specialty EHR resonates with specialty practice needs and requirements.
• Our expert technical team got you covered 24/7 if any needs arise.
• Our EHR System continues to scale as your healthcare practice grows to improve the user experience.

The Vozo Customized EHR solution benefits your healthcare practice by:

• Streamlining the administrative process
• Improving workflow efficiency
• Reducing proneness to errors
• Managing all the patient’s records in one place
• Offers greater efficiency and cost-savings across the board.

Our specialty-specific tools like scheduling, patient portals, lab integration, cloud hosting, and more meet your healthcare practice’s specific needs and requirements.

“Embrace Vozo EHR to reduce your burdens and enhance patient care”