Messageboard

Aside from the situation that Yul mentioned, which I think focuses on a comparison of getting up and running on an EHR in an ASP model vs paper records that are trapped or ruined during a disaster, I would like to emphasize that those working with on-site servers - hosted systems -should make sure their backup systems are adequate and functional.   Hosted systems may not be able to get remote access to function during a disaster similar to those on ASP systems because their primary system is down.  However, even taking the worst case scenario - the primary site is destroyed - as long as you have a backup copy of the records, you can buy new equipment, set up the network and get back to work.  You might want to make sure that you have proper insurance, which would make the prospect of starting over a bit easier to handle.  But if you have a backup of your system in hand, at least you have all of your records.  I would also point out that if you don't have an integrated system, you want to make sure you have adequate backup arrangements for your practice management system as well. 

I expect IT specialists doing installations would be making recommendations regarding the various safety features that different backup systems offer.  It might be good to research backup options thoroughly and talk to other groups that have gone through similar installations. Several sources for backup failure that I could foresee (1) the IT specialist is not as thorough as needed and does not make adequate recommendations regarding backup (2) backup recommendations are not followed due to added cost for backup servers/systems (3) backup recommendations are not followed because "it will never happen to me" (4) backup systems are in place but untested and don't work effectively.