Wondering whether you should take your practice onto the cloud? Here are a few things that you need to know before you do.

After reading this blog, you will have a basic understanding of what is meant by “the cloud”, what are the benefits of having a cloud-based medical practice, and what you need to look for in a cloud-based medical software. 

Click on one of the topics below in order to navigate to and read more about it:

What is “The Cloud”? 

To explain the bigger picture, the cloud is not a physical entity but a vast network of remote servers around the world that are connected, forming a single system. 

“The cloud started off as a tech industry slang term. In the early days of the Internet, technical diagrams often represented the servers and networking infrastructure that make up the Internet as a cloud.”

Cloudflare: What Is the Cloud? | Cloud Definition

Each of these servers is designed to either store and manage digital data, run applications, or deliver content or a service such as web mailing, office productivity software, or even social media. 

The greatest benefit of the cloud is that instead of accessing your files and data from your local server, a.k.a. your personal computer, you are able to access them online from any internet-capable device. 

Take Gmail for example; Gmail is a cloud email provider. As a Gmail user, you are able to access your account through a secure login from any device that can connect to the internet such as your computer, laptop or cellphone. 

5 Benefits of a Cloud-Based Medical Practice

Now that you have an idea of what the cloud is, let’s take a look at the benefits of introducing a cloud-based system into your medical practice. 

Security

The security of your digital data is one of the biggest benefits of a cloud-based practice. The cloud provider will implement the latest data security protocols to protect your data from potential threats. Your data is also protected from theft, fire, floods, and any other natural disaster because it’s not stored on your physical computer but rather on a series of computers in various locations around the world. 

To read more about how medical practice billing software can save and protect your finances – click here. 

Accessibility

As mentioned, all that a user requires to access the cloud is an internet-capable device. For example, you can quickly access important information on your device while standing next to the patient’s bedside. Busy schedules and long distances will be a thing of the past as well. 

Sustainability

A benefit that might be overlooked is the sustainability of a cloud-based practice. The digital and online services that come with cloud computing will cut down on your paper usage overall and may reduce computer-related emissions as well. Not to mention the extra office space you’ll gain from this paperless experience. 

Time

Because your cloud services will be owned, operated and maintained by your service provider – you don’t have to waste valuable time on keeping the system up to date. You can focus on being a healthcare professional. The cloud will give more time and flexibility to your practice than hosting on a local server. 

Competitive Edge

Adapting to new technology while you’re competitors aren’t, will give you a competitive edge as you will have the benefits of being cloud-based. You and your staff will gain more insight into the medical market. These insights and adaptations will also increase the efficiency and productivity of your practice. 

What to Look for in a Cloud-Based Medical Software

Here are some things you need to take into consideration when choosing a cloud-based medical software. 

Private Cloud

Choosing medical software with a private cloud option is vital when it comes to the storage, management, and processing of your data. To give you an idea, a private cloud is defined as follows: 

“… computing services offered either over the Internet or a private internal network and only to select users instead of the general public… In addition, private clouds deliver a higher level of security and privacy… “ 

Microsoft Azure: What is a private cloud?

POPI Compliance

Safeguard your practice and patients’ sensitive data from being used, accessed or shared in unethical ways by choosing a cloud-based medical software that is POPI compliant. Compliance to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), also known as the POPI Act, is mandatory for most organisations in South Africa. POPI is all about privacy and security. 

Updates & Upgrades

For clarity, updates are minor changes to a software’s operational performance rather than changes to its functionality. Upgrades, on the other hand, refer to significant changes to the software resulting in additional features and capabilities – which may enhance your practice management.

Cloud-based software will keep you up to date with the newest updates and upgrades. This is great considering the fast pace at which technology is constantly improving.  Getting regular and automatic updates enables users to be more productive. Choosing medical software that stays clued up with all the changes in the medical world will be a great asset to your practice.

Conclusion

It is safe to say that your medical practice will, overall, increase its flexibility, efficiency, and strategic value by implementing a cloud-based medical software. Implementing a cloud-based system into your practice may sound like a difficult and expensive process, however, it’s not and taking into consideration all the benefits after choosing the right medical software for you, you will never look back. 

To learn more about us, please click here and see for yourself what makes GoodX different.