For medical facilities still relying on server-dependent PACS for storing and accessing diagnostic images, shifting to a cloud-hosted system offers noteworthy benefits.
Cloud-based medical software delivers centralized image management, better collaboration, and lower IT headaches.
However, concerns around security, integration and costs may stall adoption. This guide examines key considerations for determining if and when to upgrade to this next-gen technology.
Limitations of Legacy PACS
Before exploring the positives of cloud PACS, let’s examine the constraints of legacy architecture:
- Requires significant upfront hardware investments
- Lacks scalability to add storage easily
- IT-dependent for maintenance and updates
- Hampers accessibility from multiple locations
- Restricts real-time provider collaboration
- Provides limited disaster recovery options
For small- to mid-sized practices, an on-prem setup may sufficiently handle current imaging demands.
However, as needs evolve, the above limitations underscore why, at some point, the switch to cloud merits evaluation.
Primary Drivers to Upgrade
Evolving dynamics-making practices consider finally shifting PACS architecture, including:
- Growing image storage volumes: More modalities now utilize imaging, producing data that swiftly outstrips local servers. Cloud-based medical software offers easier expandability.
- Opening new clinic locations: Managing imaging access across sites remains challenging with legacy PACS. Cloud centralization enables seamless information sharing.
- Increasing provider mobility: Doctors across networks desire PACS access from varied locations and devices. Cloud systems excel at accessibility.
- Enhancing patient engagement: Patients request easier ways to manage images and records. Cloud platforms allow smooth patient portal integration.
- Retiring outdated systems: Upkeep and customization of aging PACS proves untenable. Cloud migration provides a reset button.
Have one or more of these factors arisen for your practice? Keep reading for more dynamics to decide if the timing fits.
Security and Compliance Considerations
Cyberattacks on healthcare accelerate annually. Thus, security tops the list of apprehensions for transferring protected health information (PHI) to the cloud. Things to validate include:
- Adherence to regulatory standards, including HIPAA and HiTrust
- Encryption protocols during storage and transfer
- Rigorous user access controls
- Integrity checks that alert to potential data corruption
- Backed up storage with failover mechanisms
- Third-party auditing to expose vulnerabilities
Mitigating breach risks is easier with cloud hosting as the responsibility shifts from your IT team to trained cybersecurity experts.
While fears around cloud security persist, often your data remains most vulnerable, sitting fragmented across workstations and outdated servers still running Windows 7.
Moving to a purpose-built cloud architecture with support from security teams significantly strengthens overall protection.
Expected Cost Savings
Transition expenses notwithstanding, cloud adoption promises compelling savings over time, including:
- Redirecting technical personnel to revenue-generating tasks rather than PACS upkeep
- Converting CapEx investments to a more predictable OpEx operating expenditure
- Reducing supporting hardware, maintenance and upgrade costs
- Enabling Enterprise licensing agreements is not possible with legacy systems
- Allowing smaller imagery storage allotments aligned to current usage
Building a projected cost analysis makes the ROI modeling clearer when budget analysis delays a cloud switch.
Don’t let unfounded spending worries deprive your practice and patients of technological advances.
Final Takeaways Before Deciding
- No “perfect” moment exists for migrating imaging management to the cloud. At some point, evolving demands outweigh keeping the status quo.
- New technical capabilities support better clinician coordination, patient engagement and health data security overall.
- Costs and risks require diligent vetting but often prove more manageable than perceived once addressed thoroughly.
Articulate specific struggles indicating PACS frustrations to identify the optimal transition timing for your organization.
With ample research and expert guidance, cloud adoption can excel and support quality, efficient care.
Reach out for further assistance in determining next steps for your unique environment and needs.
