Which statement best describes cloud computing in health data management?

• A. Running all healthcare software on local servers.
• B. Analyzing data only on physical devices.
• C. Storing and accessing health data over the internet instead of on local computers.
• D. Transferring data only via USB drives.

Answer: (C)

Storing and accessing health data over the internet on remote servers captures the essence of cloud computing in health data management. This approach means data such as electronic health records, imaging, analytics outputs, and backups live in centralized, off‑site systems that you reach through the internet rather than on a local computer or local server. It enables authorized clinicians and researchers to access the data from different locations, supports scalable storage as needs grow, and facilitates collaboration and rapid data sharing. It also strengthens resilience through centralized backups and disaster recovery, since data can be duplicated and protected across multiple locations. When implemented with proper security measures—encryption, access controls, audit logs, and compliance with privacy laws—cloud computing can be secure and compliant while offering cost efficiency and flexibility.

The other statements describe running everything on local hardware, computing only on physical devices, or moving data via physical media, which do not reflect cloud-based access and storage.