Your Guide to Healthcare IT Managed Services

Navigating the world of healthcare IT can sometimes feel like a confusing mess. You’ve got patient data to protect, compliance rules to follow, and a network that always needs to be up. If your systems have an outage, it can cost your healthcare organization nearly $8,000 per minute! With those kinds of losses – all providers should be prioritizing this operational area. That’s where IT managed services come in.

Healthcare IT managed services is a specific type of IT support designed for the healthcare sector. It’s a 360-degree approach that goes beyond general IT support to offer round-the-clock vigilance and fine-tuned performance for your applications and infrastructure.

Within this article, you’ll not only learn the areas where IT managed services can help, but you will also discover how to go about picking the right IT service provider. 

“Healthcare consulting services play a pivotal role in optimizing your healthcare institution’s IT systems and processes. In this regard, such services emerge as a valuable ally for healthcare providers looking to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare technology.

With healthcare consulting services, you gain access to a team of professionals who specialize in the intricacies of healthcare technology. They understand the unique challenges and regulations that the healthcare industry faces, ensuring that your IT solutions are not only efficient but also compliant with the latest standards.

In conclusion, partnering with healthcare consulting services can be a strategic move to elevate patient care. By entrusting your healthcare IT needs you can focus on what truly matters – providing exceptional care to your patients, while they take care of the technology that supports it. It’s the prescription for a healthier, more efficient healthcare experience.”

Common IT Managed Services

Application Services

Most healthcare systems rely on a variety of administrative, medical, and patient-facing apps in their daily operations:

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
• Telemedicine Platforms
• Imaging Systems
• Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)
• Patient Portals
• Pharmacy Management System
• Scheduling Platforms
• Health Information Exchange (HIE) Systems
• Emergency Management Systems
• And more!

IT managed services can monitor the performance and stability of an organization’s app, working to reduce the number of outages and keep uptime as high as possible (the seven 9s).

IT would also be responsible for implementing any updates through a CI/CD pipeline to ensure changes to the production environment are executed without a hitch. 

Infrastructure Monitoring

Your healthcare IT infrastructure is more than just hardware. It’s the lifeline that ensures your patient data is accessible, appointments are set without glitches, and telehealth sessions run smoothly. By embracing IT managed services, you can gain these benefits:

• Proactive Monitoring – Keep an around-the-clock eye on your servers, computers, and network around the clock. By monitoring CPU usage, memory utilization, disk activity, and network activity, IT professionals can make sure everything is operating within optimal parameters. 
• Alerts & Troubleshooting –  IT professionals set up a variety of alert types to be instantly notified about potential issues, allowing them to take rapid action
• User Administration –  67% of all breaches can be traced back to credential theft. By implementing two-factor authentication, stringent password policies, conducting regular audits, and providing user support, IT professionals work behind the scenes to keep platforms user-friendly and ironclad secure.
• Software Maintenance – This includes applying critical patches, updating antivirus definitions, and even upgrading to new software releases to keep your operations running smoothly.
• Disaster Readiness – With a well-crafted recovery plan in place, IT teams can quickly restore critical systems and data in the event of an IT failure or cyberattack.
• Compliance & Best Practices – Ensure your infrastructure meets all ITIL 4 practices and HIPAA standards.

Network Security

According to recent data, cyberattacks are a constant threat, occurring every 39 seconds in the United States. With patient data at stake and compliance laws like HIPAA breathing down your neck, you can’t afford to skimp on safeguards that can protect against attacks. Managed services step in with top-notch firewalls, encryption methods, and intrusion detection systems

Think of it as your security dream team – IT pros running penetration tests to spot weak links and conducting audits to make sure you’re up to snuff on best practices.

Cloud Services

Whether you’re team AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or even a multi-cloud aficionado, managed services have got your back. They keep your cloud environments running smoothly and securely so you can focus on what really matters.

Thinking of switching cloud providers or taking your first step into the cloud? No worries. IT experts will guide you through the migration maze and help integrate your systems seamlessly. And let’s not forget about cost-efficiency; managed services are pros at trimming the fat and optimizing your cloud resources.

Help Desk Support

Help desks are perhaps the most recognizable aspect of IT managed services, often serving as the first point of contact for troubleshooting and resolving technical issues. Virtually everyone who has worked in an office setting is familiar with the concept of calling the help desk for assistance with computer or software problems. 

Whether it’s a doctor unable to access a patient’s medical records or a nurse needing immediate assistance with a medication dispensing system, timely help desk support can make a significant difference.

Choosing the Right Service Provider

Credentials

When choosing an IT service provider, you want someone with a proven track record and the right credentials. So, what should you look for? 

Certifications like HITRUST CSF are a good start – they show that the provider knows the ins and outs of healthcare compliance. But don’t stop there. Dig a little deeper to see if they have hands-on experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR), Health Information Exchanges (HIE), and other healthcare tech essentials.

Why does this matter? Well, healthcare IT is a different beast, with its own set of challenges and regulations like HIPAA. A provider with a strong healthcare IT resume will be better prepared to navigate this industry, keeping your data safe and your operations smooth.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Service Level Agreements outline the specific services the provider will offer, the standards they promise to meet, and the metrics by which their performance will be measured. For healthcare institutions, this might include uptime guarantees, response times for IT issues, and data backup frequencies. It’s essential to ensure that the SLAs align with the operational needs of your institution. 

For instance, a hospital that operates 24/7 would require a different SLA compared to a clinic that operates only during business hours.

Cost

IT service providers have different ways of breaking down their costs. Some might charge per device, some per user, and others might have tiered pricing based on the services you need. But here’s the kicker: always ask about the extras. Are there setup fees? What about charges for services that aren’t in the standard package?

Knowing the full cost landscape helps you budget smarter and avoids those unpleasant financial surprises down the line.

Reviews and Testimonials

Credentials and SLAs are great, but nothing beats hearing from someone who’s actually used the service. Reviews and testimonials give you the inside scoop on what to expect. They can point out the provider’s strong suits and even flag any red flags.

So, do a little digging. Ask around, read online reviews, or even request case studies from the provider. This way, you can see what they’ve actually done for others in your industry.

Elevate Patient Care with the Right IT Partner

Choosing the right partner can make all the difference. They’ll be responsible for not only streamlining complex IT operations but also ensuring compliance, robust security, and the ability to scale as needed. This allows your organization to focus on its ultimate mission—delivering exceptional patient care. With the right IT partner, you’re not just managing technology; you’re enhancing the entire healthcare experience.

Author

Ann Krutsko, Healthcare IT Researcher

With an eye for innovation, Ann applies her strategic thinking and deep understanding of the healthcare industry to create a solid strategy for ScienceSoft’s growth in the medical IT domain. Ann focuses her research on the needs of healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, software startups, pharmaceutical companies, and other major market players to help tackle their challenges with technology.