Or if you are overwhelmed by the work necessary to maintain and protect the computer network, then you should consider an Application Service Provider. The Application Service Provider hosts and maintains the EHR, patient, and practice data at a secure, central location, which is called the hosting facility.

This differs from the traditional client server model. In the client server model the physician owns the sever hardware and it is generally located at the physicians practice. The physician is then responsible for all maintenance and all software and hardware upgrades. In a traditional model, the physician must purchase a software package and all the necessary licenses for each user of the package. In addition, the doctor is responsible for installing a local area network or wireless router is necessary for the PC client workstations to access the data.

In the Application Service Provider model, the servers are not owned by the physician and are offsite. With the Application Service Provider PC workstations access the information via the internet using secure connections. The Application Service Providers provide secure access restricted via firewalls and safeguarded passwords. The data transmission is encrypted so that outsiders cannot recognize data as it is transferred.

The Application Service Provider is responsible for ensuring HIPAA compliance and complete data backups on a regular basis. This typically includes a backup or redundant system in the event of a power failure. Upfront savings can be significant due to less hardware and reduced IT labor. There is a monthly fee attached to accessing the application server. However, the fee generally covers maintenance and upgrades.

Aside from the savings on IT costs, the training for the application services can take place online limiting the disruption to the office schedule.