The key benefits of cloud software for healthcare practices

If you’re getting ready to launch a new practice, or you’re wanting to upgrade your existing IT, here’s why you can’t go past cloud clinical software.

When considering the clinical software that powers your practice, there are two main options: on-premise and cloud. On-premise software is the traditional software delivery model that’s installed on physical servers within your practice. Accessing the software can only be done on site, and you’ll often need IT support to manage the maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting.

At the other end of the spectrum is cloud software. Cloud software is software that’s delivered over the internet through a subscription or ‘pay-as-you-go’ model. The software provider hosts and manages it through a network of remote servers and databases. They’re responsible for keeping the software up-to-date and secure, adding new functionality, and resolving technical issues. And access is simple: all you need is an internet-enabled device and a login. Sounds ideal? Here are the other ways your practice could benefit from switching to the cloud:

1. Greater efficiency through innovative design

Being relatively new to market, cloud software takes advantage of innovative, user-centric design that on-premise software often lacks. With years of user data to draw from, the latest cloud software is designed to be intuitive, fast and easy to use, with many traditional pain points eliminated.

MedicalDirector Helix, for example, has simplified, connected clinical and practice management workflows – resulting in faster load times and fewer clicks. Telehealth functionality is built in, and sits alongside the patient’s history, pathology and prescriptions. This creates greater efficiency for your practice, allowing your team to spend less time using software and more time with patients.

2. Simple updates and upgrades

Because cloud software is hosted for you, you don’t need to worry about downloading and installing files, running applications or managing your own updates. All software maintenance is taken care of by the software provider. This can reduce your IT support costs significantly, and give you peace of mind knowing that your critical IT functions are always up-to-date and running smoothly.

And since software updates and upgrades occur remotely, you may not even notice when they’re happening. Instead, you’ll just see the changes when you next log in to the software. This helps eliminate downtime for your practice, ensuring there’s no interruption to your delivery of patient care.

3. Automatic compliance with new regulations

ePrescribing, Active Ingredient Prescribing and Medicare Web Services are examples of recent changes that had to be incorporated into your clinical software so that your practice remained compliant. But if you use on-premise software, managing the updates may have required external IT support, and been time-consuming and disruptive.

With cloud software, on the other hand, you don’t need to worry about organising manual software updates yourself. Cloud software providers are responsible for integrating changes or updates to their software to meet any new government regulations or industry changes. That means your software will be automatically updated at the appropriate time to give you instant access to important new features and functionality.

4. Flexibility to future-proof your practice

Because cloud software is accessible from any internet-enabled device, it can be used outside clinic hours and from different locations. This makes it easier for you to treat patients outside of your physical premises, whether that’s in their home, or at a care facility or hospital. Your team can also work more flexibly, for example accessing patient notes and sending test results after hours.

Cloud software is also better equipped to support a growing practice as it gives you the ability to increase (or decrease) your IT resources as your needs change – without requiring more infrastructure or equipment. All you need to do is add new users to your subscription. It’s a much more cost-effective way of supporting the changing demands on your practice.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of cloud software, our team is available to answer your questions or arrange a demo of our cloud software solution, MedicalDirector Helix. Get in touch with us today.