MedicalDirector predicts gradual migration to cloud
Medical practice software specialist MedicalDirector is expecting to see a slow migration of users from the traditional desktop to cloud-hosted offerings like the new MedicalDirector Online service it officially launched last week.
While he expects it to appeal initially to new practices, MedicalDirector CEO Phil Offer said the cloud offered the flexibility and lower investment that many GPs and practice managers are looking for.
“We've been getting calls from new practices often asking if we've got a cloud-based solution,” Mr Offer said. “Many GPs are aware that this is available and it is useful way for them to minimise the upfront costs, particularly in the current environment.”
He said existing users will move to the cloud over time, depending on the lifecycle of their local IT infrastructure.
“If they've just invested in a server or it's within its useful life then we expect they’ll stay with the desktop product, but when you come to replacement, this provides a new option which practices can take up. We anticipate a slow migration.”
Mr Offer said MedicalDirector is the first of the large-scale players in the general practice market to offer a bundled package. Both the MedicalDirector Clinical module and the PracSoft administrative module are available as a cloud service, which will be billed monthly based on the number of users.
Users can also modify their subscriptions monthly so practices need only pay for what they require. MedicalDirector will also handle all of the configuration required for third-party services such as HealthLink's secure messaging service and eRx Script Exchange.
The service includes automatic updates, back-ups and maintenance, as well as secure access. “It takes a huge load away from the practice manager's mind as all of the software updates are done, back-ups are automatic, there is ongoing anti-virus protection and you have the network security as well,” Mr Offer said.
“The data centre has ISO9001:2008 accreditation. This is a very solid proposition for a practice manager. Everything is self-contained and you are dealing with just one vendor and one invoice.”
He said the company is not disclosing any targets but based on feedback expects it to be popular.
MedicalDirector is also now rolling out the new integrated online appointments solution it has built for PracSoft users. This solution comes with an API that allows it to also continue using third-party solutions.
“We have had practices using it since the end of last year but that roll-out is now ramping up,” Mr Offer said. “We were very surprised and pleased by the level of pre-registration.”
Posted in Australian eHealth
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Comments
It would be important to see its outcomes measured not only by its convenience to the GP/Patients, but the price benefits that goes along with it. Nothing comes cheap anyway these days.
But people would be open to pay something extra for a better & convenient service compared to someone who sells the same old thing every year, but increase the price as rule of thumb.
Look forward to reviewing this in several months......!
As as small GP clinic my routers shows daily attempts from people in Russia, China, the Philippines, The US, etc. trying to get into my system. The same applies to our Website. We are talking about 20 or more attempts a day. If they try so hard to get into my little system imagine how hard they would try to get into MD's Cloud.
I somehow cannot see that MD would take legal responsibility for any security breaches - just like the PCEHR documentation they will wash their hands off it and throw us to the wolves.
Even if the preceding was not an issue - not too many of us out there with fast ans secure enough connections to risk not having access to files if the Net is down