The general answer to the question if you need a server or not is YES. You need a server for auditing, security, integrity, HIPAA regulations, backup and many more reasons. However, when the budget is limited the following standard guidelines should be considered if it is time to buy a server or not.
These recommendations should be applied in a windows environment only
If you are opening a new practice:
No, you do not need a server. You are looking for the basic with room to expand in the short or long term. Your practice management system and EMR can be in all the computers you need (networked), or in a single computer, depending on your needs. A regular Pentium XP computer (3.0 Ghz) 160 GB Hard Drive, 1.0GB of memory will do the job. This computer is called MASTER.
If you are a visionary physician and have ideas for your new practice, i.e electronic medical records, marketing your practice with a Web site, and also want different people to connect to your Medical office from home, then it is recommend that you consider a small server, but connecting to your master computer at the office (One person at a time) can be done without having a server.
If you are a solo practitioner or with a partner:
The same example when you are opening a new practice, if your network is growing to more than 7 computers, then you should start considering an small server. You can grow to a maximum of 10 computers without a server (XP computers), but if you reach the limit, expect connection problems. If you see 8 computers and printers in your medical office, then do not need to wait more time to buy an small server
10 computers with printers (the number of physicians does not matter)
Get a server immediately, you data is at high risk. If you want to have electronic medical records as well, your practice management system and electronic medical records will be at the same place and secured by a backup. (It is recommended that you buy a software backup such as Veritas or any other backup software).
If you have two practices or more practices:
You need a centralized server for your practice management system and electronic medical records, with a DSL or T1 connection. Terminal services software would probably be better for you to connect your satellite offices.
Feel free to continue the thread with other scenarios questions.
Courtesy of
www.encounternotes.com
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