Electronic health records (EHR) pushed organizations and practices to make a digital transformation requiring more IT support than many were used to. Cloud computing helps provide the resources needed to make those shifts while still providing the access and reliability you demand.

With cloud computing came growth in Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. These applications leverage the flexibility and speed of the cloud to improve practice efficiency, but they also provide many more benefits such as:

• Cost savings
• Supports faster digital transformation
• Improves patient and provider communication
• System scalability
• Improved Security
• Disaster Recovery and Automated Backups

Given these benefits, many healthcare organizations are moving to the cloud, but how do you choose the right cloud service provider and cloud-based solutions?

Here are a few tips to help:

1. Determine what you need and what your top priorities are

Cloud-based software works on all devices, whereas other solutions may be restricted to desktop. For busy practices, that kind of flexibility is key.

2. Determine what level of service you need

Larger practices and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) have very different needs than smaller practices. For example, you have a team to implement a security plan but lack the expertise to create one. You’ll want to consider a HIPAA risk assessment to create a plan tailored to your needs.

Once you determine how your IT infrastructure needs to be addressed and managed, this is where the cloud becomes an even greater asset. You may need a managed services partner to provide security, network and hardware maintenance and upgrades, and proactive monitoring to handle issues before they become problems. The key is that this partner can be located anywhere and still manage your IT. The same flexibility the cloud gives you to work from anywhere is also true for the team who keeps your practice infrastructure safe and running.

3. Consider what gaps you need to fill

Cloud based solutions are designed to improve efficiencies, discover where your staff is taxed to start. What activities consume their time? What tasks can be automated? A key place to look is in your insurance verification process. There is select cloud-based software that can automate insurance verification for dental practices. With the right product, you can open your schedule for the week and see completed verification information for every patient.

4. Consider industry experience and reputation

Industry experience breeds useful features and functionality and knowing which tools will help you. Industry relationships give you a keen sense of a provider’s reputation and industry-specific expertise.

5. Book a demo

Short of giving the product a trial, a demo is the next best thing. You can see how the software fits with your existing workflow and confirm it suits your needs. Similarly, a demo will help you see how the software will grow with you as well. Scalability is a critical feature.

Your cloud-based solution provider should be looking to build a partnership with you, growing alongside you, and continuously working with you and other users to improve. That’s why industry expertise matters when you’re looking for business and clinical workflow improvements.

Leveraging technology to improve your practice saves time and resources and doesn’t require an IT degree. It requires the right partner. VDA Member Perks endorses seven of trusted partner iCoreConnect’s products. Learn more about iCoreConnect’s IT offerings, cloud backup services, automated insurance software and other quality products to help you build a better business. Book a demo now or call 888.810.7706. VDA members receive substantial discounts on all endorsed products from iCoreConnect.