Security Advancements in Cloud Computing Could Change Future of Healthcare Operations

This article was written by Lisa Miller.
Finding ways to manage electronic health records (EMR) while following HIPAA laws has been a key topic of discussion in IT healthcare for years, and now the process of managing EMRs has started migrating to the Cloud. Despite this move, the healthcare industry is still apprehensive about proper security and encryption in a Cloud environment because, technically, the Cloud is still a network of public servers.
“IT security is still at the forefront of healthcare because of HIPAA compliance laws. Security with faxed documents in healthcare and legal industries are also issues because these industries still need to fax documents,” explains Billy Hanson, CEO, Reliable Office Solutions.
VIE Healthcare recently spoke with IT experts, Hanson and Kevin Feeney, director of enterprise solutions, at Reliable Office Solutions, about the future of Cloud servers in healthcare. Reliable works with several healthcare establishments, assessing and recommending the best technology solutions and equipment for their locations. In its 30+ years as an IT solutions and equipment provider, Reliable has seen many trends come and go and both Hanson and Feeney agree that the Cloud is one trend that is growing fast.
Here are some key points:

• The Cloud is a remote network of servers that securely processes data and lets you save files to a secure and remote server from any location. If you’ve ever worked with Dropbox®, Google Drive® or Evernote®, you were using the Cloud. You can scan or print files to and from any networked multi-functional printer (MFP). All you need is an Internet connection.
• Studies show that the global healthcare Cloud computing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 22% due to cost savings, enhanced flexibility and the system scalability it brings. Despite progress, several hospitals still use local servers to transfer and store their files for fear of a security breach.
• Cloud resellers offer white papers to prove the security advancements in this market, explaining all the necessary facts about security, governance, audit logs, workflow, best practices, case studies and more. This in-depth analysis can’t be found online. Only reputable Cloud resellers have this information to give hospitals.
• Some healthcare organizations still utilize virtual private networks (VPNs) to secure their files but this brings other issues. Some internet sites block access to known VPN technology and some applications are not fully supported on VPNs as they would be on a local area network (LAN).
• Hospitals still need to fax so eFax® is a good product solution. Your staff can securely fax by email from any internet-connected device including desktops, laptops, tablets or smartphones. Your electronic PHI (ePHI) and documents are then transmitted by email to the recipient’s fax number using encryption over an IP network technology. eFax® also stores faxes digitally on their secure Cloud.

Cloud computing in a healthcare ecosystem has numerous advantages that have contributed to its growth. Click To Tweet
And, since IT experts like Reliable Office Solutions say security is no longer a primary issue, they believe the Cloud will be a standard in every healthcare establishment nationwide.
To learn more about Cloud security solutions and services for your healthcare environment, call their office at 1-800-784-6001 to speak to a specialist.