Managed IT service providers (MSPs) play a crucial role in supporting the technology needs of organizations. By outsourcing IT infrastructure management and support, healthcare providers can focus on delivering high-quality patient care.
And Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) understands that. Over the years, we’ve had several healthcare providers reach out to us to help strengthen their cybersecurity defenses, and results include boosted business efficiency and improved quality of patient care.
However, hiring the right MSP can still present its own set of challenges, such as:
- Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations
- Tailoring solutions to unique healthcare needs
- 24/7 support and rapid response times
- Seamless integration with existing systems
- Data security and privacy concerns
- Scalability and future-readiness
We want to help you address them effectively.
Therefore, by the end of this article, you will learn about these challenges when hiring an MSP and get insights on how to navigate them effectively.
1. Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations
One of the foremost concerns for healthcare organizations is maintaining compliance with stringent industry regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States.
HIPAA not only governs the protection of patient health information but also establishes standards for the electronic exchange of healthcare data, making it a comprehensive framework that impacts various aspects of healthcare operations.
Thus, when selecting an MSP, verifying their experience and expertise in dealing with healthcare-specific compliance requirements is vital. Assess their track record in successfully implementing security measures and data protection protocols and maintaining patient confidentiality.
2. Tailoring solutions to unique healthcare needs
Healthcare organizations have unique technological requirements due to the nature of their operations. Errors would mean not only compromising patient data and violating privacy regulations but also potentially putting patients' lives at risk.
So, it is crucial to partner with an MSP that understands the intricacies of the healthcare industry and can provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.
Look for MSPs with prior experience working with healthcare providers, as they will be better equipped to address challenges related to electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, medical imaging, and other healthcare technologies.
3. 24/7 support and rapid response times
Downtime or delays in accessing critical patient information can have severe consequences, especially in the healthcare sector. As previously mentioned, one simple setback in operations can compromise patient care.
That is why healthcare institutions need to select an MSP that offers round-the-clock support and guarantees quick response times.
Look for MSPs that provide service level agreements (SLAs) with defined response and resolution times to ensure immediate assistance during emergencies and minimize disruptions to patient care.
4. Seamless integration with existing systems
Healthcare organizations often have complex IT infrastructures with multiple existing systems in place. And when you hire a new MSP, there may be compatibility problems with the way things currently work and the solutions they provide.
That is why compatibility and seamless integration with your current systems become crucial when hiring an MSP. The MSP should have the expertise to integrate its services with your EHR system, patient management software, billing systems, and other critical applications.
Prioritize MSPs with experience with popular healthcare systems to ensure a smooth transition and minimize workflow disruptions.
5. Data security and privacy concerns
Patient data security and privacy are paramount in the healthcare industry to safeguard sensitive personal information and maintain trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Ensuring patient data is well protected helps prevent unauthorized access, identity theft, fraud, and potential harm to patients while complying with legal and ethical obligations, such as HIPAA regulations, and maintaining the confidentiality patients expect when seeking healthcare services.
As such, when outsourcing IT services to an MSP, it is vital to ensure that they employ robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information.
Inquire about their data encryption protocols, access controls, and disaster recovery plans. MSPs should also conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any potential risks.
READ: Biggest Cybersecurity Challenges in Healthcare & How to Overcome Them
6. Scalability and future-readiness
As your healthcare organization grows and evolves, your IT requirements will change. Some MSPs may be unable to keep up with this dynamic environment, resulting in limitations and potential disruptions to your IT infrastructure.
When selecting an MSP, consider its scalability and ability to adapt to your future needs. A proactive MSP should provide strategic guidance on technology investments, offer scalability options, and keep you updated on emerging trends and advancements in the healthcare IT landscape.
Want to learn more about healthcare MSPs?
Partnering with a reliable MSP can significantly benefit healthcare organizations by streamlining operations, ensuring data security, and improving patient care. But you should always take into account the considerations when hiring one for your business. To sum it up, you should always prioritize:
- Compliance
- Tailored solutions
- 24/7 support
- Seamless integration
- Data security
- Scalability and future-readiness
By navigating these challenges effectively, you can forge a successful partnership that can enhance your organization's IT capabilities and enable you to focus on providing exceptional patient care in an ever-evolving industry.
As an MSP serving clients across the country for nearly two decades, ITS knows how vital it is for businesses to find a good fit. That starts with knowing what kind of support your business will need. Schedule a free technology assessment with us to get recommendations on what IT solutions your healthcare organization needs.
If you need more time to decide, here are some references to help you learn more about healthcare MSPs:
- The Ultimate Guide to Managed IT for Healthcare
- Benefits of Working with an MSP in the Healthcare Industry
- Top 8 Healthcare Managed IT Companies in the US