This significantly reduces the upfront costs, but requires the payment of ongoing rent for the hardware and software. There are several different ASP models available but there are common concepts that can be utilized when considering any model. An ASP rents the hardware and software application to the practice and is responsible for providing all the activities and expertise required to host, manage, maintain and support, as well as possibly develop or enhance the software. This alternative has created much interest in the marketplace for physician practices. The rapid acceptance of ASPs has been the result of several key benefits.
Practices can focus on their core businesses rather than information technology issues.
As the dependence on information technology increases, practices need to allocate resources to assure the successful performance and ongoing enhancement to these applications. Depending on how a practice is utilizing IT, they will reach a critical point when they need to hire an IT professional or pay a consultant. An ASP can assume responsibility for much of this functionality and allow time and resources to be devoted to providing medical care. ASPs can reduce the risk associated with implementing and maintaining applications. A practice's management information system is essential to the smooth running and cash flow of the practice.