Healthcare in The Cloud

With so many organizations considering and eventually migrating to the cloud, some may wonder if a cloud solution is the right fit their specific industry.  We recently came across an article on the Forbes website that discusses how the Healthcare sector can benefit from cloud based systems.  Below are some excerpts from the Forbes article written by Scott Good, which explains the advantages of cloud computing for healthcare organizations.

Security: Online medical records storage is the main reason for using cloud computing for most healthcare providers. With a recent HIPAA update, cloud service providers are now as liable for HIPAA compliance as the healthcare entities they serve. This includes ensuring that data is encrypted and securely backed up, verifying that data can be easily recovered, and using permission-based data access.

Scalability: Unlike on-site hardware infrastructure, you can easily scale your cloud storage solution to manage ever-growing patient data. Healthcare service providers generally must keep records for at least six years. Considering the volume of patient data, the likelihood of this overwhelming any on-site IT infrastructure is inevitable. The leading providers of cloud computing, cloud server or storage solutions are able to adapt to your EMR/EHR load quickly and store terabytes of your patients’ data in secure, redundant cloud storage.

Mobility: The increasing demand for physicians’ time often means they only have the opportunity to review patient records and tests or do research during evening hours. In the past, this meant being stuck in the office after hours. With cloud computing solutions, patient information is readily available. Now, doctors can quickly and easily pull up medical records remotely. This improves the physician’s ability to provide high-level care to patients. Patients see a reduction in the amount of paperwork that they need to fill out and the time and stress of disputing incorrect bills.

Cost Reduction: By adopting cloud-computing solutions, patients, physician’s practices, and medical organizations experience cost savings. The patient doesn’t have to endure paying for the same test twice when they go to different doctors or specialists or if the test results are lost. Physicians’ medical offices avoid paying for on-site hardware infrastructure and maintenance in order to securely store patient medical records. Add to that the costs of new software and updates to existing software programs and the required on-site IT personnel. Physicians are able to submit prescriptions and refills electronically to pharmacies. Cloud computing also increases the accuracy of reimbursement coding. According to a report by Healthcare Financial Management and depending on the scope and size of a healthcare organization, savings benefits of EMRs/EHRs can amount to upwards of $37 million over a five-year period.

Sharing: Cloud computing solutions keep physicians connected with patients and their colleagues. Referrals to specialists happen in a timelier manner, and healthcare service providers can easily access complete patient history and information online. Again, repeat diagnostic tests are avoided, saving time, money, and patient stress.

As you can see, the cloud offers many benefits to organizations in the healthcare industry.  Are you wondering if the cloud is a good fit for your organization? Contact The Vested Group today and we can answer all of your questions or schedule a demo.  We have offices in Dallas, TX and Tampa, FL ready to serve you!