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Stephen O'Connor

By: Stephen O'Connor on March 28th, 2012

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Cloud Computing Within Medical Practices

Practice Management

Cloud Computing Within Medical Practices

Every healthcare organization is responsible for accurate maintenance of medical and non-medical information within their ownership. This can directly affect the way physical and electronic files are organized and accessed. It is not only essential to be responsible for this information, but to also provide an effective means of accessing the data to enhance the productivity of the medical practice’s physicians and support staff.

Every medical facility deals with Protected Health Information (PHI) and therefore must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the integrity of that data. Today, cloud-accessed medical software that is properly encrypted makes being HIPAA compliant easier than it ever has been before.

In a cloud environment, users access the system via the internet since the software resides on a server that is not located at the practice itself. Computers become interconnected with outside sources of information to enhance total workflow, accuracy, and efficacy when it counts the most.

The ultimate benefit brought about by cloud computing technology is the storing and accessing of information making it easy to utilize for all users, no matter where the users are located. Essentially, if users can get to the internet, they can get to their data.

Healthcare professionals can especially benefit from the features of cloud computing, with their ability to connect with their patients’ data from anywhere in the world using the internet.

The security measures offered by cloud-computing technologies make it easier to store, manage, and instantly access this pertinent information.

The safety of patient information has been a topic of interest in the medical community for years. Reliable cloud computing software also encrypts, de-identifies, and ensures top-notch security with vital patient information to help meet and exceed federal legislations regarding this issue. The impact of heightened security through this technology influences the shift from physical files that are constantly at risk to electronic medical record systems.

Medical cloud computing also optimizes the communication of pertinent data that is used to help diagnose and treat patients. Accurate and quick communication also reduces risks while improving the level of quality healthcare for each patient. HIPAA compliance reaches new levels when medical facilities are able to incorporate cloud computing and other healthcare IT systems into their internal operations.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About Stephen O'Connor

Stephen O'Connor is the Director of Brand and Digital Marketing, responsible for many aspects of Advanced Data Systems Corporation’s (ADS) marketing, including product marketing, customer acquisition, demand generation, brand, brand design, and content marketing.

Stephen has more than 20 years of healthcare industry experience. Prior to ADS, Stephen spent 11 years at Medical Resources Inc. (MRI), most recently as the Manager of Marketing & Internet Services, where he and his teams were responsible for all marketing efforts and the market positioning of MRI’s services.

Stephen spends his day's planning, writing, & designing resources for the modern healthcare professional.