Share:

Cloud services offer exciting possibilities for health care providers, allowing you to increase the efficiency of your services while focusing more resources on caring for your patients. However, patient information is extremely valuable to data thieves, and federal laws provide additional protection for confidential medical records. While cloud services can be used safely by health care offices, there are some important factors to consider when choosing a provider.

Safely Storing Patient Information in the Cloud

The Risk of Theft

Theft of credit card information and bank fraud receive a great deal of attention, but stolen medical records are even more valuable to data thieves. Using this stolen information, criminals can commit medical fraud, blackmail patients, and even purchase expensive equipment. By some estimates, medical records can be ten times more valuable than a credit card or bank account number.

Benefits of Cloud Services

cloud servicesCloud services make vital patient records available on any approved device, allowing you to provide seamless services and prevent paperwork errors. Outsourcing your IT needs to an off-site managed service company can also save money while giving you access to more advanced software applications. For small offices, using a cloud service may actually be more secure, since specialty cloud services may have security capabilities superior to those of an in-house IT department.

Considering Your Security Needs

Taking advantage of cloud services also means entrusting a third party with your patient’s sensitive information. Data can also be intercepted during transfer, so every health care provider should investigate each of their options carefully before choosing to migrate data into the cloud.

Medical offices should carefully investigate cloud service providers, and should only choose one with a solid reputation and advanced security protocols. Your information should remain encrypted at all times, both in storage on the provider’s servers and during transmission. Doing proper due diligence and choosing a platform committed to security will help you take advantage of these services safely.

 

As the new breed of managed service provider, WPG Consulting offers sophisticated solutions to health care providers across the country. Their proven team of professionals understand the security needs of your business, with services tailored to meet even the most demanding needs. Visit their website for more on their advanced cloud services, follow their Twitter for more tech news and insight, or call (646) 868-9800 to discuss your options with a member of their team.

tracking