Cloud-based phone systems are the latest advance in the world of healthcare. The rapid growth of technology has been a catalyst for many healthcare practices throughout the world. As technology changes, there is an increased need for healthcare professionals to update the way their practice operates. HIPPA is an everchanging part of the healthcare system that requires strict compliance to meet rule and regulation requirements. Cloud-based phone systems are a powerful business tool that offer safe data storage and secure access to patient information. As healthcare practices incorporate technology driven phone systems into their daily operations, they open the door to major advancements in patient care.
Cloud-Based Phone Systems Create a Unified Team
One of the greatest advantages to cloud-based phone systems is that they create a stronger connection between staff and patients. Patient care involves so much more than just the practicing doctor. There are many staff members involved in the patient journey. From receptionists and insurance claims specialists to nurses and doctors, there is a need to share patient information and discuss patient management across the board. Over time, patients see several different doctors to treat everything from the common cold to injuries and illness. Advanced phone systems increase the communication channels while ensuring patient data is secure and safe.
With patient data at their fingertips, healthcare providers can deliver a faster response time to patient treatment. Many hospital workers and advanced specialists are highly mobile. They may work on a large campus or have off campus clinics and offices. Advanced phone systems open the lines of communication and allow healthcare providers remote access to patient data. This helps keep the healthcare team in tact when important decision makers need to be reached.
Cloud-Based Phone Systems Improve Efficiency
Another advantage of cloud-based phone systems is that they improve efficiency in the healthcare system. In-network extensions allow professionals to transfer patients or providers to a variety of different departments or personnel to ensure those calling are getting the answer they need. A network wide encryption ensures privacy as shared numbers, recordings, and menus are protected on the IP network.
For times when call volume is increased, these phone systems can reduce wait time by allowing providers to pool personnel and hire remote workers to answer calls. And, for those working remotely, customer information for things like appointments and insurance can be easily obtained. Co-worker availability can be displayed to ensure the person being transferred is getting someone who is available. Healthcare systems can deliver lab results, follow ups, refills, and scheduling services much more efficiently.
In addition, the language barrier that was once an issue in healthcare communications can be lifted. Language assistance is more readily available. Patients who communicate with a foreign language can be accommodated. The systems are user-friendly, and employee training and information monitoring are ongoing.
Avoiding Errors Due to Interruptions
While technology is the driving force behind advances in the healthcare system, those practicing still rely heavily on face-to-face communications. Many healthcare providers still use paging systems to remain available when needed. The disadvantage to both pager systems and face-to-face communications is the likelihood of interruption during information sharing. Through secure, non-SMS, encrypted messaging, healthcare providers can pick up right where they left off when an interruption occurred.
Phone, fax, voicemail, text, and even video-conferencing can be used to deliver expertise across the board. Patient information can be securely stored through web portal systems that are connected to the cloud-based phone systems. This provides the information and communication needed to support the advances in technology. Healthcare providers can store secure notes in their portal system. The practice of Post-It notes is now one of the past. The inevitable interruptions that occur in the healthcare industry do not result in a lack of patient care, as patient information remains available.
As healthcare phone systems continue to advance to remain relevant to the technological changes of the industry, the improvement of patient services will continue to rise. Secure video consultations will allow patients to receive high quality care in the most under served areas. The word is out. Healthcare practices must make the switch to cloud-based phone systems to improve efficiency, boost patient care, and remain in sync with the ever changing advances that benefit the entire industry.
