Add in the fact, that vendors can have a wait time from when the contract is signed and when the actual installation begins and you are looking at a potentially long time between saying yes to an electronic health record system and actually using it. In addition, with more practices rushing to convert to electronic record systems in order to receive incentive funds and to conform to the president’s edict that all healthcare providers be electronic in five years the wait time is guaranteed to increase as the deadline for conversion draws closer.

An option to avoid the entire wait/installation is to select software as a service or web browser based electronic health record system. Many conventional electronic health care vendors are rolling out software as a service products. InteGreat is the most well known software as a service provider but recently Allscripts and NextGen have introduced web based subscription service electronic health records.

Implementing a web-based EHR can cut the time between the signing the contract and having the electronic health record up and running in half. In addition, not only are there substantial timesavings but also a web based EHRs can mean big cost savings for smaller practices. By using a web-based electronic health record, the practice can eliminate the need to purchase software licenses, additional computer equipment and the staff necessary to maintain the computer equipment and software. The software as a service vendor is responsible for all updates, security and maintenance. The physicians practice has nothing to do except log in and use the software. Since everything is stored online, the data is accessible from any location. Several of the software as a service packages interconnect reference labs, clearinghouses, pharmacies and hospital, which can streamline all functions of the practice. Of course having a web based electronic health record system comes with some concerns. While the data is yours, you are entrusting the software as a service provider to do appropriate backups and keep the data secure. The practice should carefully weigh the time and cost savings against the potential service interruptions.