The healthcare industry has a lot of challenges when it comes to implementing new technologies. It’s a heavily regulated industry, which can place a tremendous burden on your resources.

Cloud computing has been a revelation for healthcare providers. There’s a reason why it’s due to grow at least 15% over the next six years. It can help organizations in many ways.

Do you want to learn more about cloud computing in healthcare? Keep reading to learn about the advantages organizations can gain from migrating to cloud computing.

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing consists of having a number of servers off-site to manage, store, and access data. Before the cloud, you would have to have data stored locally on computers or invest in expensive servers to manage your data.

There are different levels of cloud computing services. Most people are familiar with SaaS, or Software as a Service. This is where you use a program like electronic medical record (EMR) software. This keeps patient information in one place that your team can access in real-time.

There’s also Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). This is a complex cloud solution, but one that offers organizations more control while gaining the benefits of cloud technology.

Cloud computing solutions can be Platform as a Solution (PaaS). This is when your organization creates customized apps to help your employees access and manage data.

1. Cost-Effective Computing Solution

When you make the move and migrate to cloud computing, you’ll notice the impact on your organization’s bottom line.

Cloud computing means that your organization doesn’t need to constantly invest in hardware and IT maintenance onsite.

Another advantage that makes a difference is that cloud solutions limit the amount of downtime in your organization. If your network goes down, your business has to wait until you or your IT staff can get everything back online.

This can take an extended amount of time and resources. Cloud providers work around the clock to maintain their systems, limiting downtime and keeping your productivity high.

2. Data Compliance

Healthcare organizations are under tremendous pressure to keep patient data secure. Privacy standards set forth in various regulations like HIPPA or the upcoming California Consumer Protection Act place a lot of demands on budgets and resources to manage and secure data.

Cloud computing means that since your data is stored with another vendor, they will keep your data compliant.

You do need to be aware that not all cloud computing providers understand these regulations or even comply. Your organization would be responsible for non-compliance since you own the data. You need to ensure that your third-party vendors all comply with all regulatory standards.

3. Security

One of the biggest technology challenges that every business, government agency, and healthcare organization faces is cybersecurity. There is a lengthy list of reported security issues that are under investigation. You don’t want your organization to be one of them.

Cloud computing providers take security seriously. They’re also better equipped to deal with the constant threat of attempts to gain access to their systems. It doesn’t mean that they have perfect solutions. Unfortunately, there is no such thing.

They have the resources and tools available that you aren’t likely to have to handle these issues.

4. Deliver Better Services to Patients

You likely got into the healthcare business to help people. It’s hard to do that when you don’t have efficient systems in place at your organization.

Your patients have come to expect superior service from healthcare providers. One way to do that is to make patient data easier to access.

You can do that with cloud computing. Patient records are available to you and your staff through apps that can be accessed on mobile devices.

It also creates a collaborative environment. Patients rarely have only one provider. They have a primary care physician and a team of specialists.

Every team member involved in patient care can have access to patient data, which breaks down treatment in silos.

5. Scalable with Business Needs

Cloud computing in healthcare allows you to scale up or down to meet your needs. For example, if you have a small office, you can start off with a smaller cloud computing solution. You can add on more users and features as your office grows.

That saves you from having to invest more money and resources to purchase a large software solution right away. In this instance, you won’t use all of the features and it’s more than you need.

6. Data Storage and Backups

Healthcare organizations produce a lot of data. Some organizations would have t invest in a large room full of servers just to keep up with the amount of data that is stored and used every day.

What would happen to your organization if you lost all of that data? It could pose a privacy risk and it could be devastating to your organization.

It’s very easy to have a backup of your data when you use cloud computing solutions.

7. Make Sense of Data

With all of the data that is produced and stored within healthcare organizations, how do you make sense of it?

Cloud computing solutions are doing more to deliver better reporting to healthcare providers. Better reporting means that you can make better strategic decisions.

Cloud Computing in Healthcare Delivers

Healthcare organizations are under pressure to deliver high-quality healthcare while keeping costs in check. They also have to do everything to protect and secure sensitive data.

Fortunately, cloud computing solutions can help healthcare organizations do all of that and more. Cloud computing in healthcare has other advantages.

One big advantage is that cloud computing solutions organize data in a way that decision-makers can understand. That can lead to better decision-making based on data.

Do you have questions about migrating your existing networks to the cloud? Contact us today to find out more about our IT management solutions for the healthcare industry.