- Feb 12, 2024
Complex technologies are heavily integrated within the healthcare industry. For the seamless operation of those technologies, 76% of healthcare facilities are transitioning to managed IT services. Additionally, 84% of the healthcare system utilizes cloud services for analytics, business recovery, and disaster recovery functions.
Healthcare industry has unique challenges such as scalability, cost control, remote access, cyber security breaches, interoperability, data security and privacy. These must be prioritized and can be easily managed by outsourcing IT services. That is why let’s learn about the vitality of managed IT services for healthcare. This blog will take you through the benefits of it.
Let’s understand the potential of managed IT services:
What is Managed IT Services for Healthcare?
Managed IT services for healthcare are necessary for the industry working with delicate client data. The services are outsourced and taken care of by healthcare third-party managed service providers (MSP), which include email, help desk, IT operations, etc. The main objective of the service is to reduce cost, secure data, mitigate cyber risk, and enhance efficiency. All of this together elevates and ensures critical operations.
Access management, incident management, event management, request fulfillment and problem management all come under managed IT services. By outsourcing these tasks to an MSP, healthcare organizations can focus on their existing routine tasks. This would improve their efficiency and overall outcome of the organization would be positive.
Different Types of Managed IT Services for Healthcare
There are several ways that managed IT services are supporting and boosting healthcare organizations. Let us look at a few examples of managed IT services.
1. Service Desk
Tier 1 healthcare service desks provide continuous support for routine issues such as password resets and intake management. Outsourcing this service can help manage contingent workforce tasks and offer features like 24×7 call centers and client-branded customer surveys.
Tier 2 healthcare support goes beyond Tier 1 to handle elevated requests and system updates, improving efficiency and allowing internal IT analysts to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Tier 3 healthcare support is the highest level, handling complex technical issues like system enhancements and design changes.
Organizations may outsource Tier 3 support to free up internal staff for more critical work. Overall, outsourcing help desk services can enhance efficiency, productivity, and satisfaction while providing cost predictability and better financial forecasting.
2. IT Operations Management
Healthcare managed service providers can handle the daily management of your IT infrastructure, such as incident and problem management, and performing operational tasks. This may involve monitoring storage, network, and application performance; analyzing bandwidth, traffic, and security data; and managing IP addresses, switch ports, and configuration. Delegating IT operations management to a competent managed service provider (MSP) enhances operational efficiencies through improved visibility.
3. Application Management and Support
Application management and support can be daunting for many healthcare organizations (HCOs) who need help maintaining an internal IT team capable of managing a growing number of applications. An MSP can now come in to help. By outsourcing healthcare application management, HCOs can ensure their systems align with their electronic health record (EHR) platform for consistent change control and proactive incident management.
4. Cybersecurity
Working with an MSP can assist HCOs in protecting patient information and adhering to privacy laws. These providers offer several services such as identity management, threat identification, and vulnerability monitoring, round-the-clock incident response and risk assessment. A managed services approach permits HCOs to move from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity strategy. By outsourcing security operations, HCOs can concentrate on strategic goals and pursue advancements for long-term data protection. Effective cybersecurity services can decrease downtime, lower costs, aid in regulatory compliance, and provide access to skilled professionals when needed.
5. Cloud Hosting
As healthcare management shifts to the cloud, many HCOs opt to team up with an MSP for managed cloud services and infrastructure. Whether choosing public, private or hybrid cloud hosting, an MSP can handle services to aid HCOs in establishing, maintaining, expanding and securing their cloud setup. Managed cloud services encompass data migration, settings, enhancement, protection and upkeep. Collaborating with an MSP for cloud service management may follow a step-by-step process, starting with infrastructure, then progressing to data migration, and ultimately to ongoing operations management. Enlisting the help of a healthcare-savvy MSP can help prevent issues related to transitioning patient data or healthcare applications to the cloud while maintaining smooth operations.
Top 10 Healthcare Managed IT Service Providers in the USA
Let us attempt a look at the top 10 companies that provide managed IT services in the USA:
1. TruAdvantage
TruAdvantage, based in the Bay Area of Cupertino, California, is a recipient of the MSP 501 award and the MSSP 250 award. They work in managed IT services, wishing to bring security, sustainability and scalability to over 100 SMBs.
Services provided: Data storage, VoIP, cybersecurity, DaaS, cloud migration and many more
Partners: ConnectWise, Microsoft, Citrix, Apple, Cisco and more
2. Managed Solution
Based in San Diego, California, Managed Solution is nationally recognized as Microsoft Partner of the Year. They are in the top 1% as a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider and focus on 24/7/365 IT help desk support nationwide, amongst other functions. Their goal is to enhance customer experience ad help businesses and their employees excel.
Services provided: DaaS, virtualization, backup and recovery, cloud migration and more
Partners: Microsoft, Amazon, Webroot, Cisco, StorageCraft and more
3. Medicus IT
Medicus IT, based in Alpharetta, Georgia is committed to aid healthcare organizations wishing to optimize user care and outcomes and moves beyond the norms of traditional IT. They support their healthcare clients in managing IT infrastructure, expanding operations, and changing organizations. With service centers in multiple states, including New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, California and Arizona, Medicus serves 6,000 providers and 40,000 users across 2000 locations.
Services provided: VoIP, cloud migration, cybersecurity, backup and recovery and more
Partners: ConnectWise, Cisco, Zerto, Citrix, Datto and more
4. US Medical IT
US Medical IT wants people to live a more productive and healthier lifestyle. They integrate pharmaceuticals with technology to bring out the best for their clients. It is an innovative managed IT service corporation in Allen, Texas which creates more opportunities for distributions of knowledge, better coordination of care and improved health.
Services provided: Data storage, virtualization, cloud migration, backup and recovery, cybersecurity and more
Partners: SolarWinds, Dell, SonicWall, Kaseya, Microsoft and more
5. Blue Mantis
Blue Mantis wants their clients to achieve their digital goals. With 30+ years of experience in managed IT services, this organization, based out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, guides their customers with modern technologies.
Services provided: VoIP, DaaS, and Azure, cybersecurity, AWS, cloud migration and more
Partners: Lenovo, Microsoft, Pure Storage, Sophos, Veeam and more
6. Comport Consulting Corp
Comport holds 30+ years of technical expertise which has proven its success. They put the effort to understand their clients’ needs and meticulously solve their business woes. They cater to all industries, healthcare to finance to manufacturing. They are based in Ramsey, New Jersey.
Services provided: Virtualization, cybersecurity, cloud migration, backup and recovery, Azure and more
Partners: Aruba, HP, Cisco, Zerto, CommVault, Citrix and more
7. ConvergeOne
Eagon, Minnesota boasts of ConvergeOne, which is transforming the industry by making a long-lasting impact on the community. 10000+ customers use C1 (as it is called) every day. They partner with Fortune 100 companies and global industry leaders to deliver solutions using a holistic approach. They have 5,600+ technical certifications spread among numerous engineers in North America and three Customer Success Centers.
Services provided: GCP, VoIP, IT consulting, cybersecurity, backup and recovery, data storage and more
Partners: VMWare, EMC2, Fortinet, Google, f5, Gemalto and more
8. CyberDuo
CyberDuo provides a full range of managed IT services and managed security services for small and medium businesses in Los Angeles, California. By being a tech consultant, they provide organizations with the proper tools and tech for enhancing productivity.
Services provided: GCP, ERP, email security, web development, IaaS, hosted exchange and more
Partners: Google, Zscalar, Datto, Fortinet, Cisco and more
9. RBS IT
For more than a decade, RBS IT Solutions has been offering comprehensive end-to-end managed IT services to businesses in Wichita, Kansas with a team having decades of combined experience. They stand out from other tech companies by delivering top-notch IT services combined with the personalized approach of a local business.
Services provided: Cloud migration, email security, IT consulting, VoIP, backup and recovery, cybersecurity and more
Partners: Microsoft, Ubiquiti, Lenovo, Proofpoint, SonicWall and more
10. Exelegent
Exelegent is a company specializing in cyber security and professional services, emphasizing on standard efficiency and treating customers as partners. Headquartered in Freehold, New Jersey with additional offices in Newark, NJ and L’viv Ukraine, Exelegent uses its extensive experience to deliver top-notch service to clients.
Services provided: DevOps, virtualization, cybersecurity, data storage, cloud migration and more
Partners: Microsoft, Symantec, Redhat, VMWare, Sophos and more
Striking Advantages for Leveraging Managed IT Services for Healthcare:
Managed IT services harness the capacity of maintaining systems on an ongoing basis, keeping the IT infrastructure running longer. Here are a few noteworthy advantages the healthcare industry can experience with the employment of the service.
1. Combating Compliance Challenges:
Healthcare is one of the most stringently governed industries. Even after rigid regulations, upholding the legal standards and audits, such as data encryption, user access, conducting security awareness training, etc, can be challenging. Fortunately, the existence of MSP can ensure compliance on behalf of organizations.
2. Permit Workforce Mobility:
The healthcare industry is standing on the edge of enormous potential and intimidating challenges imposed by mobile technologies. For example, the risk of data breaches is increased with the storage of vital information in mobile devices. At the same time, enforcing workforce mobilization boosts employee morale, internal infrastructure and reduces expenses related to office premises. By transitioning to a cloud-based system of a proficiently managed service provider, corporations can leverage the benefits of remote accessibility and ease the risk of associated threats.
3. Form Scalable Infrastructure:
Scalability is one of the significant hurdles in the healthcare industry. Some of the areas of technologies that pose scalability challenges are in-house data centers, strained budgets, and limited physical space. On the contrary, an adaptable operational infrastructure assists the organization in managing and educating a more extensive workforce. A scalable infrastructure is indispensable to hold solid ground in a competitive market. Opting for managed IT services for healthcare can facilitate effortless scaling by incorporating a cloud-based, software-defined infrastructure that progresses alongside the healthcare organization.
4. Cost Management for IT:
It is widely known that IT infrastructure is expensive, and substantial investment is required on workstations and servers. Eventually, this is coupled with upgrades and maintenance, increasing the financial expenditure. Apart from keeping the arrangement, unexpected issues arise, and it’s a devastating blow to financial constraints. Considering all of it providentially, there is a positive aspect in transitioning to managed services. Maintenance costs can be significantly reduced, and it also safeguards against unforeseen costly consequences.
5. Improve Service Quality:
Healthcare establishments with inefficient and obsolete technology will lead to security concerns. It will end up affecting the services provided by the organization. Meanwhile, with the appropriate technological setup, the interaction between the team and their clients can considerably improve, consequently improving the internal workflows. By providing access to the result-driven technologies and knowledge for your service, MSP can sustainably elevate the service delivery standard.
6. Increased Surety of Response Time:
Healthcare industry with swifter response time is highly appreciated. On the same grounds, it is essential for managed IT firms to ascertain punctual response time. Additionally, they must be reachable round the clock for pressing situations. Being prompt and effective is not just about availability; it is about the commitment towards the indispensable sector they are working in. In the long run, being dedicated to the optimal levels creates trust and reliability.
7. Construct a Continuity Plan for Business:
A plan for business continuity is an absolute necessity for a healthcare organization. In case of a disaster, a healthcare organization cannot afford to lose all the relevant data. The company that manage IT services for healthcare industries will do an excellent service for data recovery during outages and significant disasters.
8. Proactive Security Offers:
Adhering to data security rules and regulations is a must. Otherwise, it results in severe penalties and huge fines, and it can even lead to the withdrawal of a license. Competent MSPs are known for providing crucial core security services, such as identity-based security, authorized privileges, access control, data accountability, encryption, and integrity.
9. Focusing on Staffing Services:
Healthcare IT is an ever-evolving industry, and due to its dynamic attributes, staffing has become a puzzling task. To address this situation, an organization requires an MSP to carry the full responsibility of the healthcare workforce to offer a touchpoint for all sorts of staffing operations, including customer support, order placement, account management, and more.
10. Breakthrough Efficiency:
Managed IT Services for Healthcare can bring in dependability, availability, and accuracy gains with reduced or exiting staff. Additionally, safety and accountability can be significantly enhanced by providing management capabilities and advanced monitoring. In the end, healthcare MSPs help to take immediate corrective actions whenever a gap is identified.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate managed IT services for healthcare is tedious, but once chosen for your organization, the benefits are innumerable. It is proficient in guiding healthcare organizations to reduce operational costs while maintaining organizational transparency. It helps overcome challenges such as mobility, scalability, and compliance. If your healthcare organization is still running on a backdated managed facility provider, it is time to partner up with the one that will help cut down the overwhelming disputes.
