ASK THE EXPERTIs the Medscribbler Rich Application Service Provider Model the Answer to Physician EMR Adoption?Michael Milne is the CEO of Scriptnetics, the developer of Medscribbler and other medical software applications. Michael is a futurist and one of the computer handwriting pioneers. Several of his articles have be published in leading healthcare media. While the benefits of electronic medical records (EMRs) are becoming increasingly tangible, most physician practices struggle to justify – and even afford – the up-front costs associated with outright software and hardware purchases. Moreover, for many practices, the continued costs and logistical challenges associated with maintaining and protecting their own computer network, software applications, and mission-critical medical data can be overwhelming. The choice of an EMR run by an application service provider (ASP) is equally challenging with concerns of patient data ownership and the ASP's understanding of the challenges of robust reliable remote medical business operation. That is why Scriptnetics now has given physicians’ practices the option of choosing Medscribbler Rich Application Service Provider (RASP), an online EMR like an ASP but with greater value with the physician's ownership of hardware. How does it work? RASP supplies a physician’s practice with a hosted computer server with access to Medscribbler on a subscription basis. Scriptnetics maintains the server and Medscribbler with the practice data at a secure, central location, also known as a hosting facility. Ownership and access to the patient data is completely in the physician's control. Furthermore, access is by a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and a Medscribbler rich client that eliminates all the dangers of viruses and "hacks" of the open Internet. To get started, practices only need an Internet-ready computer and a high-speed Internet connection (DSL or cable modem). An inexpensive, secure router can provide wireless access. Only authorized users with a Medscribbler client can access the EMR anywhere via any secured high-speed Internet connection. The RASP hosting facility meets the Department of Defense (DOD) certification standard for physical security. Top level Medscribbler security is via firewalls, safeguarded passwords and unique Internet IP addresses. Data transmission is secured in a hardened "tunnel" so that outsiders cannot access data as it is transferred. HIPAA compliance is ensured and complete data backups are made on a regular basis to ensure no loss of data. How do you determine if RASP is right for your practice? A. How much capital do you have? Lack of capital is one of the top five barriers for implementing an EMR, according to Medical Group Management Association*. RASP offers both up-front and longer-term cost advantages. Up-front costs ranged from only $500 to $2,000 for set up and a monthly hosting charge starting at $500. Additional providers can be added starting at $175 per month. (...) |
