When making the change to cloud-based technology, you are essentially choosing cloud-based documentation. Replacing dedicated servers and/or paper-based files with cloud-based documentation is a smart choice for medical practices striving to succeed in difficult economic times. Not only is the cloud safer, more efficient & cost effective, it’s also more practical in the world of hybrid-working where private practitioners are working from various locations & collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to provide patient care.

Other benefits of storing and accessing patient & practice information in the cloud include:

• • shortening your billing cycle
  • working with more accurate, up-to-date data
  • improving communication, &

• enhancing your overall patient experience

With what’s at stake, it’s understandable that you want to make the change as quickly as possible. However, switching to the cloud without considering best practices can frustrate & demotivate staff and potentially derail your plans. So, how can you ensure a seamless experience with minimal downtime? Here is a list of the top tips to help you successfully switch to the cloud:

1. Take a staged approach

Start with a pilot program. Choose pilot users from your practice staff to work with the system and identify areas that don’t fit into your typical workflow and/or need customisation.  The initial users you choose should be honest about what’s working or not so you can troubleshoot your set up.

2. Easy-to-use cloud-based technology is the lynchpin for the entire process

You can’t achieve your goals with a system that’s complex, isn’t user-friendly, or well supported by a reputable technology partner. For more about how to go about choosing cloud-based medical practice software, click here.

3. Staff training is key

A strong indicator that you’re using the right system is that users can receive basic training on how to use the system in a matter of minutes. For full functionality, an intuitive system designed with the user in mind reduces training time from days or weeks to only a few hours. Ensure that your provider offers on and off-site support by asking them these crucial questions.

4. Maximise tools to improve documentation workflow

Switching to the cloud is a great opportunity to uncover routine tasks that have ‘always been done that way’ and automate them. It’s also a chance to spot gaps in your processes to make sure that data is captured accurately once & can securely be shared digitally as necessary. Many of these automation tools and systems drastically reduce finger errors, duplicate data entry, lost data & other manual tasks that ultimately amount to wasted time & effort.

5. Don’t get caught by secondary software

One of the benefits of the cloud is that it is typically device agnostic. In other words, you don’t have to buy a certain device or devices to operate the software or access the information you need. Be certain that there are no additional or hidden costs & restrictions related to what device or operating system you use.

Are you ready to make the change to cloud-based documentation? Healthbridge has been helping private practitioners to run their best practice for over 20 years. Click here to request that one of our experienced Business Consultants get in touch to discuss your practice needs.