Dental management software-cloud computing Module
Today’s regulatory environment regarding Dental management software and its increasingly stringent mandate for the protection of patient information is a critical issue for every healthcare organization, including dental offices. The trust your patients have placed in you should be not undermined by questionable technology platforms that may or may not offer the most up-to-date level of data protection. The costs associated with a security breach are much higher now than ever and with the ever expanding regulatory authority providing for increasingly aggressive HIPAA audits, now is a great to make sure your data is protected.
More than ever, the dental industry is concerned about protecting patient health information and doing so in a way that does not break bank. Many of you think this type of high level encryption and data protection is only good if it comes with a high price tag. With the increasing popularity of cloud based dental technologies, many of you may be wondering if your data is truly protected “in the cloud”. The truth is cloud based software systems offer a level of security that far surpasses that of traditional server based dental practice management systems.
This article chronicles some of the characteristics and security features that a cloud based dental platform offers. First off, it’s important to understand what is meant by “cloud based”. “The cloud” is simply another term for the internet. Instead of your data being stored on a machine or hardware in your office, the data is stored on the internet. Not only does this save you money by eliminating the cost of expensive servers, IT consultants and backup systems, cloud based data storage and management also removes the physical threat of your data (or server) being stolen or just walking out of your office. This is the number one cause of most reported patient data breaches. You likely already use a cloud based system for your online banking, bill pay, or credit card processing and consider your level of comfort in using these systems on a daily basis.
Today Dental management software is a cloud based platform designed to ensure your patient data is secure and protected, for you and your patients.
No Unauthorized Access
As a cloud based dental software, Total Dental requires unique usernames and passwords to access all parts of the system. Using a server based software system; you are likely storing sensitive patient data on an unsecured server which makes your data vulnerable. A cloud based dental software program does not allow for unauthorized access and release of your confidential patient data.
The Audit Log Watches All
Unless your office is staffed to provide a full time monitor over your computer server, it is safe to assume there is not complete security for your data. With cloud based technology, the system is constantly being watched and each keystroke becomes part of the audit trail so that you can monitor and maintain a clear trail of all changes to patient records in your system. This also helps offices combat and monitor fraud while also protecting patient data.
User Profile Hierarchy
Cloud based systems typically have a user profile hierarchy so that your users can only access the patient information needed to perform their assigned roles. Since data is not stored on office laptops or computers, it is very difficult for just anyone to access the information. The cloud stops nosy and disgruntled employees from trying to access unauthorized information and protects your patients at the same time.
Automatic Back Ups
More than half of the dental offices with whom we work initially use poorly developed backup and recovery processes. These processes often make it easier for thieves and hackers to steal patient data. The threat of patient information ending up in the wrong hands is often times the result of innocent or unintended mistakes by providers themselves. We often see situations where a practice owner or manager takes the back-up tape or portable drive home for “safe keeping” and that often means the device is left unattended or lost……...even though it contains all of your patient data. A simple or innocent mistake such as this can result in thousands of dollars of regulatory and recovery fees as well as the embarrassment of your patients knowing that you were the cause for their confidential information being jeopardized!
Protect your livelihood and your career, as well as your patients information, by investing in cloud based dental software such as Total Dental®. You will not only protect your greatest business asset, your patients, but you will protect the health and future of your dental practice. Cloud-based practice management systems offer both an affordable and secure alternative to the server based software you are currently using.
Dental management software is an affordable cloud or web based dental software that is an ONC Certified EHR. It’s an state of the art dental practice management system designed specifically for Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and large groups but works well for a smaller office too! The system comes complete with scheduling, charting, billing, a patient portal, reporting and much more advanced tooth and perio charting, state of the art dashboard, production scheduling and reporting...basically everything you need to manage a successful dental practice!
