Physicians can access health information software through two different models: client server and application service provider (ASP).
Client Server vs. Application Service Provider (ASP) Models
Client-Server Model
The most common is the client-server model. In this model, the software is installed on a server located in the physician’s office and is accessed through the practice’s input devices.
ASP Model
Alternatively, in the ASP model, the software is located on a server at a remote location and accessed most commonly via the Internet.
The primary advantage of the ASP model is lower initial costs. The medical practice pays a monthly per-physician fee for access to the software, the storage of the practice’s medical records on the software company’s server, and the costs of the high-speed Internet connection.
Health information software can provide the following transactions using an ASP:
- EMRs including transcription and voice recognition;
- Patient scheduling and registration;
- Claims submission, eligibility inquiries, referrals, and, depending on the health plan, preauthorizations;
- Financial reporting and collections management; and
- Supply ordering.
Advantages of the ASP model include:
- Upfront cost savings. Practices pay $100 to $500 per physician per month, as long as they are using the vendor’s server, for ASP-based software vs. a multi-thousand dollar per physician initial investment plus annual maintenance costs as in the client-server model. Offices with ASPs still will incur costs to set up a networked, wired office, which is required for this model.
- Easy upgrades. An ASP can install software improvements at its central server overnight, and the office can take advantage of them the next day.
- Staff or contract savings. Most ASPs manage all of the software maintenance so that the practice will have less need to hire any IT staff or outside contractor.
However, ASPs do not automatically assume responsibility for data backup. Practices using an ASP will need to negotiate backup services as an explicit, additional benefit.
If you have questions about electronic medical records or other health information technology, contact the TMA Health Information Technology helpline at (800) 880-5720 or e-mail hit[at]texmed[dot]org.
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Last Updated On
October 19, 2021
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010