How Can Healthcare Organizations Benefit from Managed IT Services

Over the years, healthcare organizations have become increasingly reliable on technology. Just like any other business, their expectations are that they have reliable and secure IT solutions. Unfortunately, also like other businesses, they seem to have limited resources when it comes to most IT related things. Let’s not forget to add in the compliance and HIPAA regulations as well. There is so much compliance when it comes to technology in healthcare that you really need a resource that can understand both HIPAA and technology.

On top of compliance related hurdles, the complexity of networks in the healthcare space is also increasing. Many doctor offices are expanding into multiple locations and moving their infrastructure to the cloud. Many of the electronic medical systems are now cloud based or at least have that option. Not to mention, there is a level of flexibility needed with technology as more providers offer telehealth as an option. As these needs expand, it is difficult for a single IT person to keep up and still provide a fluid patient experience across their locations, as well as their front desks and doctors. As a result, many healthcare organizations are looking at outsourcing at least some portions of their IT, if not all of it.

Managed IT Service Providers have been helping businesses in all different verticals and industries over the last several years. It’s not uncommon to either outsource your IT operation or outsource some of the functions that maybe you don’t have the internal IT staff for. Many businesses find the value in having additional technical expertise that can help support their business while having a predictable cost. Healthcare organizations are no different and should certainly take advantage of the services and resources that can be provided by Manage IT Service Providers.

Here are a few ways the healthcare industry can specifically benefit from utilizing Managed IT Services Providers.

Improve the Patient Experience

Have you ever arrived at a doctor’s office and the front desk staff says something like “Hang on, my computer doesn’t want to seem to work today?" That may seem like a trivial interaction, but that is part of the patient experience. When someone shows up to a healthcare facility, they’re in need of a service and don’t want to have a lengthy check in. Having a Managed IT Services team that can help keep your computers patched, up to date and on a refresh schedule can help your business have the best technology to serve patients. Also having the right technology in place helps the staff to be more efficient and proficient as patients go from the front desk to the doctor to check out. Flow of information and access to that information are things behind the scenes that can really aid in a good experience for a patient.

Gain Predictable and Scalable IT Spending

Managed IT Services can provide insight into your IT expenses. If you work with a good Managed Services Provider, they will help your organization find ways to utilize better tools at a predictable price point. With a typical Managed Services agreement, you should know exactly what you’re paying on a recurring basis. If you have a good Managed Services Provider, they should be able to give you predictable equipment cost and what that cost is to service it. Since a majority of Managed IT Services is billed on a monthly basis, you also have the flexibility to grow and reduce as needed. With the right provider, your costs should reflect your needs in real time, which helps your organization have a predictable budget for these services.

Reduce Compliance Hurdles

Many healthcare organizations find it time consuming and difficult to keep up with technology in terms of compliance. Whether that’s making sure that all their computers are up to date or making sure that policies like password changes are enforced, it can get to be a lot. A Managed IT Services Provider with experience in the healthcare field can help you navigate those waters. User account management, data backups, security awareness training and regular IT audits are all things that can be taken care of by the right Managed IT Provider. They can help to put in industry best practices that help meet your core compliance needs.

In Conclusion

If you’re in the healthcare industry, the key to utilizing a Managed IT Services Provider is to find a reputable one that has extensive experience in healthcare. While there are several good managed IT companies out there, not all of them have the staff and resources to understand HIPPA and the compliance that comes along with it. Make sure you ask what level of knowledge and proven experience they have in healthcare when you’re determining the best fit for your organization.

Questions about IT services in the healthcare space, compliance or just technology in general? Invicta Partners is here to help! We have several staff members with extensive backgrounds in healthcare and can answer all of your questions. Reach out to us today to get a conversation started! Email us at Info@invictamsp.com or call us at 423-664-8700.