Doesn’t it seem like everything has changed? Due to the novel pandemic, just about everything has changed. Not to mention, the changes are happening so quickly that it’s virtually impossible to keep up.
Whether you’re a small law office, a school district in a metropolitan city, or a large healthcare provider, you’ve felt some impact over the past four years. We’ve seen a significant uptick in telehealth services, which has piqued an interest in the future of telemedicine through office technology.
Before the pandemic, telehealth services were somewhat unfamiliar to most, as visiting a doctor in-house was the norm. We’ve now realized that many of the ways we practice medicine can be done remotely— from the comfort of our homes.
So, what does this mean for your medical practice or clinic? What about mobility and security for your patients and doctors?
Many realize that the best way to adapt and stay on a steady path of growth is to enhance the office technology that supports telehealth services and telemedicine long-term.
Telehealth Services Through Office Technology: Supporting Your Practice
Telehealth proposes exciting new opportunities for advancing the future of healthcare. Telemedicine can improve healthcare access for many, but it also has the potential to considerably lower costs.
As more people adjust to a different way of seeking the medical care they need, telehealth will substantially advance our overall quality of health. But that comes with the right technical support.
What Should My Office Do To Better Support Telehealth Services?
We can all agree that any type of remote support gives both the provider and the recipient more mobility. Mobility is a great thing, and it can even save us some time during our busy days. But how can a medical practice experience mobility through telemedicine?
Your IT infrastructure must be capable and capable of supporting your remote patients and even remote team members. It would be extremely problematic if your video conferencing system were unable to host your appointments efficiently, leaving your patients frustrated and feeling their time wasn’t well spent.
If your practice shifted to a more remote-based office, you must explore your new and required options from your managed IT provider. If your IT is currently handled in-house, now might be a great time to outsource your office technology needs.
Watch our video to learn more about managing your IT in-house, Can You Manage IT? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself.
A great managed IT provider can assess your current technology infrastructure, learn your needs, and develop a plan specific to your team members, patients, and the services you offer.
They can also work with you to develop a technology roadmap that you will need in the future as you grow.
Office Technology and Telehealth: Securing Your Network
Cybersecurity is (or should be) of the utmost importance to almost all businesses, especially those in the medical field. Patient personal information protection and privacy are requirements your medical practice has to follow, regardless of how you choose to operate.
As medical offices shift their appointments from in-house to a virtual environment, the security of their entire IT infrastructure has to remain healthy and follow all compliance standards and regulations, such as HIPAA.
Both you and your patients should want peace of mind. Although their consultation may be online, their information, appointment recordings, and any follow-up documents sent via email or deposited in the cloud to be safely stored should have the highest level of protection, making it impossible for cybercriminals to gain access.
You’ll know if a managed IT services company is based on how much they emphasize assessing, monitoring, and reporting on the security of all your devices and systems.
So, what exactly can a managed IT services provider do for the security of your business?
- Data Backup, Recovery, and Security: Data loss, whether accidental or caused by theft, is one of the most significant concerns for businesses. IT outsourcing services offer complete protection with a secure firewall, servers, malware, and virus protection.
Intensive data security service stops thieves, hackers, and criminals in their tracks. Proactive security and 24/7 monitoring of your network help eliminate attempted cyber-hacks from happening, and anti-virus patches and other software updates to be done quickly, keeping you up-to-date and protected
- Virtual CIO (vCIO): A vCIO, also known as a Virtual Chief Information Officer. The vCIO may be a consultant, third party, or business that offers a service (part-time person) to fulfill the role of a current CIO. This helps support the overall security of your network because you will have a dedicated person who is fully responsible for the planning and architecture of your network operations.
This service helps businesses that can’t afford the salary and benefits of a full-time executive. A vCIO usually works remotely and supports developing a technology roadmap, reviewing and maintaining IT infrastructure, vendor management, new technology, and recommendations.
- Technology Road Mapping and Planning: With the help of an IT outsourcing services team, you can create technology plans to future-proof your business. Make sure to focus on your business goals with the technology you’re currently using and how you plan to grow with new technology as it emerges.
A technology roadmap helps you better plan out your IT security measures so that your networks are always up to date and perform safely.
Learn more about outsourcing your IT by reading our article, How Can IT Outsourcing Services Help My Business?
The Final Say: Telehealth Services Through Office Technology
To be honest, we’ve barely scratched the surface of office technology of telehealth and your medical practice. However, learning all the ways these new and remote services can promote and grow your business is one of the best things you can do for continuity.
As you continue to learn more about telehealth and the types of technology to implement, make sure to seek the opinions of office technology experts like us, who are dedicated to helping you.
If you’d like to learn more about AIS or any of the products and services we offer, contact us today. We are always looking for new and emerging technology solutions to offer our readers and customers.
