When data storage and security is taken out of the hands of specific industries and managed by professionals, everybody wins.
Such is the case with cloud computing and the healthcare field. And, the hospitals and clinics across the world that have already turned to the cloud are benefiting from its capabilities in various ways.
So, with healthcare storage solutions in mind, why are so many physicians, doctors, institutions, and other medical professionals using the cloud?
The Cloud Complies with HIPPA
The Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPPA, dictates almost everything in the realm of healthcare that’s patient-oriented. In other words, when it comes to the protection and privacy of medical records, if it doesn’t pass HIPPA standards, it simply doesn’t pass.
What this means for the cloud is that any cloud service provider must comply with the data encryption and security mandates set forth by HIPPA.
For the healthcare field, this is a crucial security feature and added benefit when making the cloud computing switch.
Medical Mobility
When medical professionals have more access to medical records and patient information, they’re able to devote more time to bettering people’s lives. With the cloud, pertinent medical information is available anytime and from anywhere.
Not only does the cloud make remote access a possibility, it also streamlines the record and data storing process.
Because all the information is available from one location, the “file-keeping” drawbacks common with the healthcare field are non-existent.
Reduction in IT Costs
IT costs in terms of hardware, software, equipment, upkeep, and the general infrastructure associated with an in-house network is substantial, especially in the field of medicine. But, with cloud computing, everything involved with server and data storage, including the IT staff, is located elsewhere.
What this means for the healthcare field is lower costs for both hospitals and patients. For hospitals, the cost of cloud service providers is much less than an in-house infrastructure.
And, for patients, the accessibility of patient information with the cloud means less redundancy in testing and better tracking of medical records.
The Cloud Can Fit Any Storage Needs
Whether it’s a small family practice or a full-scale hospital, the cloud offers the healthcare field scalability.
So, as patient medical data increases and decreases, so can the cloud. This is a much more effective approach to storage needs as opposed to adding storage space to an in-house server every time data increases.
Likewise, considering hospitals and other medical institutions are required to hold on to patient information for up to five years, the cloud is infinitely expandable.
And, most cloud service providers can quickly and safely adapt to growing storage needs. From gigabytes one day to terabytes the next, the cloud has the healthcare field covered.
When healthcare and cloud computing team up, it results in the medical field being that much more accessible, secure, and efficient.
About the Author: Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including personal health, information on ripoff report, and technology.
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