Health care technology is changing every aspect of the Medical industry, including how Patient information is handled, shared and stored. Getting medical records and billing under control is not only important for protecting patient information, it’s a necessary step in cutting medical costs by ironing out inefficiencies.

Now that electronic health records (EHR) are the norm, a cloud-based medical practice Management System can help keep all that patient information secure and easy to access.

The Billing Process is Secure and Smooth

In the medical industry we often focus on the patient’s health records. However, just as important is patient financial information. Some patients would agree that this information is even more sensitive than their medical records.

A protected management system is not only more secure, it keeps patient information organized so it’s easier to check benefits and bill for the right services. Cloud-based medical systems like Practice Suite also have built-in ICD-9 and ICD-10 coding software, which makes it easier to find the right billing codes for a particular patient. This cuts down on the potential for mistakes during the billing process and creates more accurate records for both the medical office and patient.

Patients Records Are Easier to Store

Imagine having to file away records for thousands of patients over a number of years. Not only does this require space for filing cabinets, it can make finding records a time-consuming chore. It also increases the likelihood that someone can get their hands on information that they’re not supposed to see.

A cloud-based management system can solve all of these problems. When files are in the cloud, there’s no need to use valuable office space for file cabinets. Finding a patient’s records is as easy as typing in their name. You can also choose who can access the system in the office so that records are only accessible to a select few people.

Sharing Documents is Secure and Easy

The biggest argument for EHRs is that doctors can readily share patient information with one another. It’s something that practices with multiple locations have had to deal with for years. And it’s something that a record management system can easily handle.

A practice with more than one location will immediately notice how much easier record management is with a cloud-based system. All the data is stored in one online location that can be accessed by all offices – so no shuffling papers around, emailing them, etc. When a patient’s information is updated, it’s immediately reflected in the online system, which keeps everyone up to date.

Better Management Means Patients Are Less Likely to Receive Each Other’s Information

It can happen to any medical office. You are sending a patient their medical records or a bill, but someone else’s information is accidentally sent. It’s not only embarrassing for the office; it’s risky for the patients involved.

A management system makes record and billing mistakes like these virtually impossible. Medical records, insurance and contact information are all in one place, which streamlines the process and decreases the chance that you’ll send documents or bills to the wrong person.

Technical Support Without Hiring IT Staff

When an error occurs with the handling of patient information quick action is needed to correct the problem. Third-party software systems often come with technical support – something most medical offices don’t have in-house. This can prove to be invaluable if a patient record is accidentally deleted, there’s a black out at the office or some other technical issues arises.

Data Destruction is No Longer a Concern

Even federal organizations have lost important, irreplaceable data due to natural disasters and destruction. Imagine the downward spiral that could occur after a fire. Medical and billing records that weren’t stored online or another location would be lost forever.

A perfect example of this is the 1973 fire that happened at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. The fire destroyed 16-18 million military personnel records. Thousands of military members and the Veterans Administration still struggle today because medical information that was once on file is now gone.

When you have a cloud-based management system this is never a concern. Records are stored safely in the cloud and backup measures are taken in the rare event that something were to happen to the servers. It’s a safety net that keeps patients’ records and their health protected.