Gettry Marcus, a Leading Health Care Accounting and Business Valuation Firm, Reveals the Benefits of Placing Electronic Medical Records in the Cloud

Woodbury, NY (PRWEB) January 04, 2014

Implementing and maintaining an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system is a major topic of discussion in medical practices of all sizes, specialties and locations. The reality is that EMR systems will be required sooner rather than later and properly planning its implementation will save time, money and aggravation.

Gettry Marcus CPA, P.C., a top New York City and Long Island CPA firm, discusses the benefits of using the cloud for information storage. Among the many decisions that need to be made when considering an EMR system is where to store the data. A popular alternative to onsite storage is a cloud based system. But many physicians and practice administrators have no idea what the “cloud” is or how it works.

The cloud is generally used as a metaphor for the Internet. Think of the term ‘virtual’ – an individual may not be able to see the cloud, but it is there. In fact many practices are currently using aspects of cloud computing without knowing it. For example, most practices store patient data on an internal computer system in the office. Records are stored on hard drives and are most likely being backed up on an off-site system. That off-site storage is an instance of cloud computing. Computer activity done outside of the firewall in an office is in the cloud. The popular book Cloud Computing for Dummies defines cloud computing as the next stage in the Internet's evolution, providing the means through which everything - from computing power to computing infrastructure, applications, business processes to personal collaboration - can be delivered as a service wherever and whenever it is needed.

What is attracting everyone to the cloud? The overall flexibility and personalization of cloud computing. Cloud computing is already changing the way companies use technology to service customers. The cloud will certainly change the way many practices interact with their patients. Right now the cloud offers a viable option for data storage of medical records. Cloud computing can eliminate many of the complex constraints of traditional computing environments, including space, time, power and cost.

EMR systems utilizing cloud based software will offer functionality that enables all patient records, charts, etc. to be stored electronically and retrieved as needed. In other words, with a cloud based system a medical practice would not need an onsite server to store and back up records.

Selecting the right EMR requires careful examination of specific needs, features and functions, current technical and physical infrastructure, budget, etc. For some practices space and technology constraints may make a cloud based system the right choice. Others may have the technology resources to support an onsite system.

Gettry Marcus CPA, P.C. is a Top 200 firm nationally with offices in Woodbury, Long Island and New York City. We provide accounting, tax, and consulting services to commercial businesses, high net worth individuals and various industries which include Real Estate and Health Care. We have one of the premier and most credentialed Business Valuation, Litigation and Forensic Accounting Groups in the New York Area. Our experience in diverse industries and a highly talented and experienced professional staff gives us the ability to share valuable insights into our clients’ businesses, to better understand their goals and problems and to help them attain the vision they have for their company.

Gettry Marcus is "Always Looking Deeper" to build value for our clients. Visit the Gettry Marcus health care page here.

Media inquiries: Contact Fayellen Dietchweiler at 516-364-3390 ext. 225 or at fdietchweiler(at)gettrymarcus(dot)com.

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