As previously discussed in this blog, cloud computing offers chiropractors many solutions to easing chiropractic workflow and improving overall patient care. Among its best characteristics, web-based EHR software offers a chiropractor a chance to forego installing hardware and, thereby, save costs on installation. Also, a doctor of chiropractic is able to access patients' records online at any point throughout his or her day, regardless of where he or she may be situated.

In mid-May, J.D. Power and Associates released a new study – 2012 Business Data Satisfaction Study – that shows that 18 percent of business data customers are utilizing hosted and cloud-based services. This number has risen since 2011 as that data shows only 12 percent of customers using cloud computing services, according to a press release provided by the company.

It seems that the lowered price of adopting web-based software is an important factor among various industries including the healthcare field. When choosing a data service provider, 38 percent of business clients that utilize a cloud-based system said that the affordable rates were a major aspect in their decision-making process when purchasing cloud-based software. Only 20 percent of businesses that do not use cloud computing, on the other hand, claimed that price was a factor in their buying methods.

"While traditional data services offer a suite, or package of services, employing cloud-based services like SaaS provides businesses the opportunity to view data as a commoditized service, where the differentiation among providers is primarily based on price, bandwidth and reliability," Frank Perazzini, director of telecommunications at J.D. Power and Associates, said in the press release. "As price and performance across providers converge, the account service and support, in many instances, becomes the differentiator."

Chiropractors who wish to take advantage of the lowered price and capabilities of cloud computing systems may want to purchase web-based EHR software capable of easing chiropractic workflow.