There is a reason so much talk about the cloud exists today – there is value in the cloud, especially for picture archiving communication systems (PACS).
When a medical facility is backed by cloud-based PACS, diagnostic viewing becomes easier and more efficient, and from just about anywhere. With a vendor neutral system, sharing between PACS no longer hits compatibility roadblocks.
One of the most popular models is the SaaS means of delivery. Using the SaaS, healthcare providers can pay for what they use, which means facilities with limited budgets can get their hands on a top-quality service while keeping costs contained.
Hospital data loss is a major concern among healthcare providers. Whether it’s loss of data due to a disaster or loss of data between departments, it’s a serious issue. Let’s look at a few reasons why cloud-based PACS can help avert hospital data loss.
1. No More Hard Copies/CDs
There are still a massive amount of healthcare providers who share their medical imaging via antiquated technology – the compact disc. They’ve invested a lot of money in CD burners and have set aside large areas where they store thousands of CDs with sensitive medical data embedded. These little discs, when they actually work, can get lost rather easily, either in the mail or by simply being misplaced by the patient, nurse, technician or a doctor. Each lost CD represents a major compliance issue.
When your healthcare facility invests in a much more efficient storing mechanism available in the cloud, you can have access to your images through a secure URL. You no longer need to stand in line waiting for the CD burner and you don’t have to store copies of the CDs in your already tight facility. Furthermore, you completely wipe out your hospital data loss issues related to CDs.
2. Level IV Datacenters Are Safer
Exactly how much protection can your on-site server offer you? If you’re already storing electronic data and medical images on-site, you’ve probably got a backup plan for disasters, whether it’s a catastrophic server failure or a natural disaster that wipes out your on-site equipment. However, if everything is on-site, there is nothing left when your disaster takes everything on-site down. Storing your images and data in the cloud comes with redundant disaster recovery steps that all but ensure your data will always be available to you, especially if your provider utilizes a Level IV datacenter, which includes actual guards who patrol the datacenter.
3. Data Migration is More Seamless
The process of transferring data is a troublesome affair, even with the best PACS providers. However, you can significantly reduce the chances of hospital data loss when migrating your DICOM data to a cloud-based PACS.
For the best solution rural providers can possibly get, consider OffSite Image Management, Inc., a company that realizes all the benefits of cloud-based solutions. Contact us today and find out how we can bring you more efficient solutions in the cloud.